Feb. 11-March 31: The Interconnecting Work of John Watts and Ing-On Vibulbhan-Watts
“Connections: East and West” will be on exhibit Feb. 11- March 31 at the John Cotton Dana Library’s fourth-floor gallery, 185 University Ave., Newark. The exhibition is free and open to the public, as is the exhibition's opening reception on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 6 -9 p.m. The exhibition is open during regular library hours.
“Connections: East and West” refers to the couple's own distinct cultures: Watts is from Wales in the United Kingdom, and his wife, Ing-on, is from Thailand. Their distinct cultures are what have influenced the body of this exhibition. Both husband and wife describe their work as being "two sides of the same coin, quite different yet bound together by common values and continuous exchange of ideas."
Watts' drawings and paintings are based on historical stories and periods, while his wife's are more culturally influenced. Their two-dimensional works are giclee prints taken from the original works of watercolors, acrylics, and pencil drawings that have been developed through digital a layering process. Photographic images have also been integrated into some of the works, according to the artist.
Additionally there are an extensive number of ceramic sculptures and pottery by both artists. John Watts also will be displaying his jewelry and Ing-On will present at the reception two videos and a number of handmade books based upon the images from her art work.
Ing-On Vibulbhan-Watts graduated with a bachelor's in chemistry from Rutgers-Newark and extended her science resumé with a master's in polymer chemistry from New Jersey Institute of Technology. However, her main focus and passion is art. Most recently, her paintings and sculptures were exhibited in a one- person show entitled, Art Nature Peace, at the Manhattan Theatre Source gallery in New York City.
John Watts graduated with a BA in art education from Kean University and received both his MA and MFA in painting with a minor in ceramics from the University of Iowa.
From 1966-1985 and from 2001-2008, Watts has taught pottery at the Newark Museum and maintained his own studio on 57 Halsey St. in Newark. He also teaches pottery at Rutgers-Newark.
Dana Library is wheelchair-accessible, as is the Rutgers-Newark campus. Rutgers‑Newark can be reached by New Jersey Transit buses and trains, the PATH train and Amtrak from New York City, and by Newark City Subway. Metered parking is available on University Avenue and at Rutgers‑Newark's public parking garage, at 200 University Ave. Printable campus maps and driving directions are available online at: http://www.newark.rutgers.edu/maps/index.php
Media Contact: Carla Capizzi
973/353-5262
E-mail: capizzi@rutgers.edu