Articles

Destino Mar/09 by Hurst

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOURS RE-VISITED

The 60’s and 70’s were magical times for the arts and humanity in general. There was “revolution in the air” to quote the icon of the times, Bob Dylan. Outmoded ways of thinking and seeing clashed amid the flower-power generation and the old rear guard, determined to keep things the same. New movements were born with new paradigms which hastened in the peace that had eluded America and the world for so long. These were the “baby boomers” that had found their wings to fly above the “old world order” and were inspired to change the way their world had been perceived for so long. And so it was that right in the midst of this radical upheaval three artists met and found a common ground that began the lifelong bond that would span the next 35 to 40 years.

Chris MacClure had just moved to the west coast from Montreal where he’d begun his art career painting scenes of Old Montreal for the tourists. The young MacClure was street-wise but innately intelligent and art was the life-saving choice for the rebel whose checkered background seemed to offer up either a life of crime, not a smart first option, or the alternative; pursuing his passion for drawing and sketching. The cool breezes and dramatic scenery of the west coast was freedom for a weary soul and MacClure took to the wilds like a pioneer. His sketches and paintings of the coast were snapped up on the streets and in the parks where he was learning the fine art of marketing his work.

The west coast was a magnet in those days for the free-spirited individual. Budding artists such as Jonn Einerssen, were determined to find their creative feet there, far from white bread America. Fate and the gods conspire unbeknownst to mere mortals and before long Jonn and Chris found themselves thrown into the heady studio lifestyle of renegade California painter, Loren Adams, whose talent was as awesome as the events which catapulted all of them together. Adams was only 28 at the time but was already a legend in the art business with his symphonic-like seascapes which commanded big bucks and this at a time when art was still considered more craft than fine art. Jonn and Chris both credit Loren with their breakthrough into fine art and the studio for the skill in learning how to survive as an artist.

The studio became a focal point for Chris and Jonn and although they were both cutting their teeth in the art business, their worldliness was mature beyond their years and this brought fantastic energy to the Adams’ studio space. The studio was buzzing 24/7 working with their crazy “mentor”, whose genius was undisputed and by exposing themselves to the lifestyle of the true artist, coupled with philosophical dialogues on art and life, both MacClure and Einerssen managed to exceed even their own expectations with regards to their work and in only a few short years. Not surprisingly, many other artists, including west coast artist Brent Heighton, gravitated to the extraordinary energy generated by the studio atmosphere. Brent was earning his livelihood doing caricatures, after a stint working with Disney, but he wanted to extend into the fine arts. Adams’ reputation was getting well known in the art community and Heighton had always learned from the best. At 23 he was the youngster of the studio but the camaraderie, hours of discussions on everything to do with art and life plus the endless quirky situations and events the studio was famous for would provide him an outstanding foundation for a successful art career.

For several years the waterfront studio was the place on the Coast and with philosophy, laughter, non-stop story telling and magical happenings a daily experience, MacClure, Einerssen and Heighton developed a fast, unbreakable friendship. The studio threesome relied on each other as much as on their own strength to get through the tough years ahead honing their craft.

Paintings, or the works produced are in fact only a by-product of the creative process itself, which involves all aspects in the evolving life of an artist. This is not accomplished or taught in any art school and requires stamina, intuition and persistence in the face of disappointment. There is no social net for artists and basic necessities such as eating and paying the rent require that: 1. the work produced is compelling enough and 2. that there is someone willing to take a gamble and buy the painting. There are no guarantees for artists and the willingness to carry on despite the hardships and frustrations involved mark the journey of all successful artists.

The 3 Amigos learned early on that there was always success in numbers and they banded together often for shows and exhibitions of their work. They loved these “road shows” and did them often over the ensuing 30 years, learning the ropes as they went along. Einerssen eventually created a traveling venue called the The WESTERN LIGHTS, showcasing his work, Heightons’ and several other artists. About this time, MacClure had discovered the Baja and in 1997 he set up his own studio/gallery in Cabo San Lucas. It wasn’t long before Chris had coaxed Jonn and Brent down to have a peek and they too became infatuated with the magic and beauty that is Los Cabos. The 3 buddies now hook up for several months each winter painting, laughing and re-enacting the “studio days” of old.

So it is that 35 years down the road Einerssen, Heighton and MacClure have created The SOUTHERNLIGHTS ARTISTS GROUP to showcase their work here in Los Cabos at resorts, hotels, golf clubs and private functions. The shows are self-contained portable and they usually invite local guest artists such as Cabo painter Fernando Tamés.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

By Marilyn Hurst

The romance of the Baja was the inspiring influence for artist Chris MacClure back in the early 90’s.  By 1997 he had spent enough time here “going Cabo” as we say and it was then he decided to move his studio down to Cabo San Lucas.  The southern Baja has a special mystique and the light here is unlike anywhere else.  There wasn’t much in the way of art or culture available back then and because artists share what they have with each other, it wasn’t too long before Chris’ artist buddies jetted in for a peek at the enigma that was Los Cabos.  Before long, they too were hooked on Cabo, spending months each year painting and soaking up sun and inspiration to carry them through the rest of the year.

In those early years Chris set up exhibitions in the resorts to entertain the guests, sell art and garner publicity for his studio; now morphed into a full-fledged gallery with his oldest artist friends Jonn Einerssen, Brent Heighton and several other artists including Mexicans Fernando Tamés and Enrique Ortega.

After 12 years this idea has been refined and we now have the SOUTHERNLIGHTS Artist Group dedicated to bringing first class exhibition venues to our hotels and private vacation resorts here in Los Cabos.

Several years back the group did a very successful show at the infamous Hotel California and so it seemed apt that they launch their revised traveling road show there.

Wednesday February 4^th and Thursday February 5^th  at the Hotel California in Todos Santos will be the opening salvo for the SOUTHERNLIGHTS venues for 2009.  These days are smack in the middle of the annual Todos Santos Art Festival so when you plan on taking in the festivities, you won’t want to miss this show.

The second exhibition will be held  Friday, February 13th at 5 P.M at Las Gardenias Condominums at Cabo Real, mid-way up the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San José.   Wine and refreshments will be served around the entertainment area of this upscale complex and everyone is welcome.

Their third showing will be during the annual Los Barriles Artist Studio Tour on Sunday, February 22^nd at the home/compound of Jim and Charlotte Harrison in the Santa Maria housing complex just north of town.  The location with map of the various artist studios involved is printed in the Eastcaper Magazine and these can be found throughout businesses in the area, or call 14 2 8015 for directions.  The Studio Tour would make an exciting day trip, with the drive itself a little taste of the “dark desert Highway” experience of that iconic tune which made the Hotel California famous.

Collecting art is not merely for the rich and famous.  Long after your sombrero has gone to the garage sale, the painting you purchased will bring years of pleasure and memories back, more especially after meeting the artist in person. 

If you can’t make the exhibitions, these roadie artists show their work at the Golden Cactus Gallery in Cabo San Lucas and The Old Town Gallery in the art district in San José.

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SOUTHERN LIGHTS DO TREASURES

By Marilyn Hurst

Over 30 years ago Chris MacClure, Brent Heighton, and Jonn Einerssen were just starting their careers as painters.  They befriended each other about the same time and in the ensuing years each has trodden the long hard road less traveled to become respected and successful artists.  Art is one calling that demands perseverance and thick skin and over the years the “three amigos”, as they call themselves, have done what it takes to develop and hone their craft.  They formed “The Western Lights” group many years ago as a venue to promote and exhibit their art all over the Pacific Northwest.

After opening his studio eleven years ago in Cabo San Lucas,  MacClure invited his old amigos to join in the fun.  Heighton and Einerssen spend so much time in Cabo that now the three have formed  the  SOUTHERN LIGHTS artist  group to be the umbrella for their resort show/exhibitions here in Los Cabos.

When one of the premier home furnishers, Treasures Design studio held an open house on May 30^th  for developers, designers and real estate companies to celebrate their new location at Plaza el Faro in Palmilla,  it seemed a natural fit to have fine art and fine furniture  together.  The Southern Lights were represented by Chris MacClure and Brent Heighton pictured with owner Ross Roseman . The two  respective galleries that represent these artists in Los Cabos,  the Golden Cactus Gallery of Cabo San Lucas and the Old Town Gallery of San José  were there to assist the artists.

  Fine furniture is enhanced by the time taken to choose art that reflects your unique personality  and brings another dimension to your living space. It is well worth your personal effort .