Bozeman Magazine

Oregon artists Yoshi and Susie Frances Aoki will be featured in Altitude Gallery during downtown Bozeman’s first Artwalk of the season. Both are inspired by nature, and the water, trees and rocks of their coastal mountain home are evident in their work. Elements of the natural world are abstracted, refined and then distilled into the essence of their original forms in both Yoshi’s sculpture and Susie’s jewelry. Yoshi’s sculptural work balances movement with stillness, hard with soft. Strong geometric lines end in bright podlike spheres, and hard metal bends and weaves softly around itself. Metal rods wave like ripples on a river around smooth hardwood burls, and jagged shapes coalesce to form a cohesive whole. Susie’s jewelry is contemporary and clean lined, yet with a rustic, earthy touch evident in the use of oxidized metals and softly hand cut edges. Hammered patterns evoke sand dollars, pebbles or tree bark and ruffled edges reference a poppy’s ruffled petals or ocean waves. Her jewelry is wearable art, tiny sculptures designed to adorn the body instead of the wall. The reception will be held in Altitude Gallery, at 134 E. Main Street. Both artists will be on hand with presentations that show some of their process and technique. Call 406-582-4472 or info@altitudegallerybozeman.com for more information.