Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Local Art Scene: 2017 Duluth Dylan Fest Art Opening -- Paintings By Sue Rauschenfels

"Life Is Hard" by Sue Rauschenfels
"I walk the boulevard admitting life is hard, without you near me." ~Bob Dylan

The Nobel Prize-winning Dylan has written so many interesting songs, produced so many great albums. His artwork is lesser known, but it's been a feature of his creative spirit for many a decade. He's not received the same critical acclaim for his painting as he has for his writing, but there's merit in his work. He observes scenes and people with an artist's eye. He uses shape, form, color with artistic intent.

Late last year London's Halcyon Gallery hosted another exhibition of his paintings, sketches and watercolors of recent work in a show titled The Beaten Path, which you can read about here in this Vanity Fair review.

With the seventh annual Duluth Dylan Fest just around the corner, it's a good time to note that the events of May 20-28 include more than just great music. Dylan-themed art was a highlight at Zimmy's and a component of Hibbing Dylan Days. We're also thrilled by the visual arts in the Twin Ports and for this reason include an art component in our celebration. (FWIW, there is still time to submit work for consideration in this show. Details here.)

The Opening Reception for DDF art show will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22 at the Zeitgeist Atrium. One of the artists whose work will be on display is Sue Rauschenfels, whom I interviewed here in conjunction with our 2014 Dylan Fest. Rauschenfels grew up in Cook, MN, a true Northlander. I asked her to share some of her thoughts about Dylan, art and music.

Rainy Day Women
EN: What is it about Dylan's music that speaks to you?

Sue Rauschenfels: Dylan's lyrics are genius. He's a storyteller and a poet and touches on life experiences and human relationships from love to political unrest.

EN: In what ways are music and art important to our lives today?

SR: Music and art enriches our lives on so many levels. Exposing ourselves to a wide array of music genres and art forms enables us to better understand our differences and more importantly our likenesses. Music and art draws people together and is a form of communication.

EN: Were you surprised when Dylan won the Nobel Prize for Literature? How did it make you feel?

SR: Wow, yes, I was very surprised Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. I was delighted and felt it was well deserved despite the negativity and uproar of many who felt otherwise.

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I Shall Be Released
Just Like A Woman

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Our full Duluth Dylan Fest Schedule can be found on posters around town 
(like this one) and also at our official Bob Dylan Way website.
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If you still have a minute, you can check out some of my own 
Dylan-inspired portraits of Bob here on my Flickr photostream.

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Meantime, art goes on all around you. Engage it.

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