Jennifer Elek & Jeremy Bert
Illuminated Forest
Traver Gallery is pleased to present Illuminated Forest by Seattle-based art duo Jennifer Elek and Jeremy Bert.
Elek and Bert celebrate the natural world with this exhibition. Renowned for their contemporary glass and neon sculptures, the artists re-envision the traditional neon window-sign format to celebrate and draw attention to our natural surroundings. Woodpeckers, snails, and native foliage replace beer logos and marquee signs in their illuminated forest.
Elek and Bert say of their work, “The neon sculptures in this exhibition represent the birds that we see out our kitchen window and native species that we look for in the forest. Each piece in this exhibition is inspired by being still in the woods and observing the landscape. In creating these artworks, we aim to be as accurate to the identification of each subject while working within the material confines of neon and respecting the traditional craft of sign making”.
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About
Jennifer Elek and Jeremy Bert - view profile
Jeremy Bert is a Seattle based artist working primarily with electric light, neon and manipulated reclaimed signage. Originally from Montana, an early interest in ceramics lead him to The NY State School of Art and Design at Alfred University, earning a BFA in 1994. In 1995 Jeremy moved to Seattle, WA where he has worked for over 20 years as a licensed sign electrician, certified welder, crane operator and light projects designer. Bert has taught neon workshops at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood WA, Urban Glass in NYC and Penland School of Craft in NC. Jeremy’s work is held in public and private collections. He has exhibited his work at MONA The Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles CA, Jenkins Johnson Gallery San Francisco, CA & New York NY, Traver Gallery Seattle, WA, and The Museum of Glass Tacoma, WA. His work, “Transient light Graffiti” is in the permanent collection of the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh PA.
Jeremy’s mixed media sculpture represents a strong commitment to re-usage. By re-appropriating the refuse of the sign industry Bert reclaims commercial waste and transforms it into something enriching for the community.
Jeremy and his wife, Jen Elek, maintain a studio at their home in south Seattle where they work with neon, clay and steel.
Jen Elek is a studio artist and educator based in Seattle.
Elek investigates interpersonal themes and the notion of community by creating objects and installations of colorful glass and neon light employed as a non-verbal form of communication.
Jen has been a member of the Northwest artist community since moving from Bethlehem PA to Seattle in 1995. Elek has traveled to Canada, Japan, Australia, and throughout the U.S teaching glassblowing workshops. Jen has worked for many notable artists including, Dale Chihuly, Ginny Ruffner, Nancy Callan and was a key member of Lino Tagliapietra’s glassblowing team for 15 years. Jen’s involvement in Northwest Art organizations include; Pilchuck glass school, The Museum of Glass -Tacoma, Hilltop Artists and guest lecturer at The University of Washington in Seattle. Her work has been exhibited at The Museum of Glass Tacoma, Tacoma Art Museum, Pittsburgh Glass Center and Traver gallery Seattle. Jen maintains a studio in south Seattle with husband Jeremy Bert.