From the Earth, We Rise
From the Earth, We Rise is an exploration of movement and surrender in human nature’s purest form. Showcasing the work of artists Kimberly Stemler and Nancy Gordon, striving to balance their expression of inspired nostalgia with their colorful brushstrokes.
Stemler’s investigative nature draws upon a deeper understanding of connection with her own ancestry, questioning one’s own identity. Her main subject matter is divided between landscape, object, and myth. She draws heavily on the wistfulness of memory, creating a space for viewers to reflect. Layer upon layer, Stemler works to defy the very bounds of what organic form can be, constantly redefining, deconstructing, and commemorating the memories that exist both within our bodies, and in the soil beneath our feet.
Gordon continuously shows a vibrant enthusiasm to break away from the bounds of realism, and delve deeper into the potential of what abstraction can be. Gaining her influence from the Impressionists, her work lives in its own natural world. Her love of color and movement echo across her wide variety of works, that ceaselessly exude a joyful interlude. From dancing figures to starry night skies, Gordon’s artistic identity pursues an expression of discovery across all platforms.
With the work of these two artists, this exhibition celebrates the everchanging growth of both body and soul. From the way we came to the way we return, From the Earth, We Rise reminds us of the joy we can find in the horizon, until the sun sets on our next tomorrow.
Kimberly Stemler (she/her)
Kimberly Stemler was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa, and received a BFA in painting from Tyler School of Art. Living with her husband Jon and their three boys in a rural area of Montgomery County she is inspired by the land. Her work primarily revolves around landscapes that are densely patterned, layered and focused on color. These landscapes, while abstracted, give the viewer a sense of connection to place, time, moment. They can feel nostalgic and almost recognizable, like a fuzzy memory. Another concentration focuses on domestic objects that are evocative, wistful, and full of remembrance. Most recently, she has been captivated by Greek Mythology and the powerful imagery it evokes. Recent juried shows were exhibited at the InLiquid gallery, Mainline Art Center, and New Hope Arts. Solo shows include the Abington Art Center and Cairn University with one approaching in August 2025 at the Art Work Gallery in Phoenixville. She and her husband Jon manage his machine shop using the left side of their brains and collaborate artistically to nourish the right side. Their public work includes "little red string”, "alpha and omega", and "Windows of History". In 2024 they worked on a two person show displaying the concept “of earth & myth” in their chosen mediums at Montco’s Pottstown campus. The result was conversation and contemplation. Not only between the work itself, but also the ancient and present reflection of life, death and deity.
Statement
My art is an investigative diary, exploring my world and environment while relishing in the paintand my process: pattern by pattern, color by color, dot by dot. I address three main themes:
landscape, object, and mythology. Combined, they present a rich tapestry of work interwoven with a thread of nostalgia. I explore deconstructing, redefining, and rebuilding the earth into terms conveying a personal history. The horizon line intrigues me. The moment of place where sky touches earth and what happens in those remaining spaces that eventually arrive at our feet.
My approach is similar when examining objects of personal, ancestral, or domestic history. I've discovered that the recurring topics I explore from childhood are connected to my grandmothers. This relationship is inconspicuous like a spider’s silk but equally strong. Painting them becomes a celebration of their existence, a commemoration of remembrance. Wound within these themes exist questions of identity, ethnicity, and ancestry.
Recently, I’ve been exploring Greek mythology. What has been thought-provoking is that below the surface of the myths lie ideas and assumptions about human and deity behavior, male and female dynamics, and oppression. The hidden meanings, imagery, and inspiration derived from these stories withstand the test of time. Man’s search for something greater than himself.
My love of dots began early in my career, alluding to organic and micro-organization. What originated with breaking the plane and imitating cells has become much more than solely disruptive space and detail. A depth is achieved, color shifts, a veil worn, and an obscured change of form. Though laborious, the process of brush painting the dots is meditative, and the result gives me a joy similar to witnessing a murmuration. Printing in oil began more recently. I’ve always been drawn towards patterns and tactile surfaces, wanting to achieve that feeling and density in my work. These processes beg a closer approach, encouraging an intimate relationship between painting and viewer.
There is a steady contrast of control and looseness at play in each painting; breath and movement. The result is a collection of lush, complex, and layered paintings. The approach to each subject is the same, whether it be myth, landscape, or object, and each of my paintings holds the same textural and emotional weight.
My work echoes the beauty that can be found in this world, the delight I find in the earth, in story, and in ordinary objects of my past. I want to spark conversations of relationship, nature, and memory by accentuating and elevating these subjects to a moment in time that resonates and feels familiar.
Nancy Gordon (she/her)
I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. My ‘serious’ art began 10 years ago when my work world faded away and my art world began. Since that time I have studied and shown my work at Fleisher Art Memorial, Cheltenham Art Center, Wayne Art Center, In Liquid, Old City Jewish Art Center, and Frugal Frames. I am currently showing at The Cosmopolitan Club and have a May Opening for a return visit to Frugal Frames
Statement
I love color and movement.
Everything stems from the layers of color. The result is a realistic abstraction of nature.
My inspiration is the nature that surrounds me which offers a vast variety of subject matter.
My painting is based on intuition and trusting my feelings
My passion is expressed by using colors that mirror my emotions.
Through my process of painting, I discovered that expressing and communicating joy is very important to me.
Experimentation is the source of my excitement during the painting process, dictated by the subject matter.
Just like with snowflakes… my work is never the same twice.
