The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery is pleased to introduce a new artist to our stable as we begin our 30th year in business. Please join us in welcoming Brian McGuffey. While new to our gallery, McGuffey is not new to the art world. A seasoned professional, he exhibits exhaustingly across the country from California to New York and now in Seattle.
This Exhibit "Meet Me on the Other Side" is based on the ancient Druid celebration of Samhuinn, a festival and astronomical observance of the ending and the beginning of the Celtic year. The festival takes place October 31 to November 2nd, and is referred to as the time of 'no time'. During these three days order, structure, and time are abolished and chaos reigns. During this anniversary/celebration, order and structure were abolished, chaos reigned. Time was abolished for the 3 days of the festival. People would do crazy things, Men dressed as women and women dressed as men, Farmer's gates were opened and livestock and animals roamed freely. Costumes were often the custom. The Celtics frolicked about the forest in the darkness in celebration. Children knocked on neighbors' doors for food and treats, much the same way we celebrate Hallowe'en, but it has a deeper meaning in Druid culture. The veil between this world and the world of ancestors is drawn aside and, on these nights for those who are prepared, journeys can be made in safety to the other side. Also referred to as the 'Dark Moon', this represents a time in which mortal sights need to be obscured in order to see into other worlds. These rites are concerned with making connections with the spirits of the departed, who are seen as sources of guidance and inspiration. "My showing at the 30th anniversary of The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery led me to further investigate the Druid calendar discovering the 'Lustre', or 5 year time period. At the end of six Lustres, or 30 years, a Druidic Cycle is complete and a new cycle is b." - Brian McGuffey
|