As a painter, I am overjoyed to work so intimately with artwork and like-minded creative individuals as an installer and art handler at the Merritt Gallery. My artistic interests are deeply rooted in the natural world and in how we visually interpret it. I’m particularly drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the simple underlying geometry that gives rise to form and composition. During my time at the gallery, I’ve been exposed to a wide range of artists who have shaped my creative process and refined my tastes in design and form.
—Ian (Art Handler, Chevy Chase)
Marshall Noice | Ann’s Pond, Dry Grass
Growing up surrounded by forests and nature profoundly influenced my artwork. Watching leaves dance and glimmer in both wind and light creates a mesmerizing spectacle. To me, Noice distills the essence of that visual experience and masterfully projects it onto the canvas through his brushwork and fiery color. His ability to navigate the chaotic frenzy of the visual world before him and produce such vivid, beautiful pieces continually amazes me.
See more from Marshall Noice.
John Brandon Sills | River View
Sills’ work has always struck a chord with me. I have many fond memories of serene, quiet nights spent around rivers and lakes, and when viewing his artwork, I am instantly met with a sense of calm. His mastery of atmospheric perspective and soft brushwork creates dreamlike landscapes that invite deep participation and reflection. It is truly a joy to see his artwork and even more so to install it in clients’ homes.
See more from John Brandon Sills.
Paul Balmer | Blue Sky
Since the first day our gallery began featuring Paul Balmer’s work, I have been captivated. The playfulness and freedom of his compositions bring me immense joy every time I encounter them. His conscious disregard for traditional rules of perspective, in favor of his characteristic doodle-esque style, keeps me thoroughly entertained and evokes a sense of childlike wonder. Learning more about his extensive studies and the remarkable breadth of his body of work has deepened my respect for the journey his practice has taken to arrive at this point. While many artists might use power tools to destroy failed works, Paul instead employs them to create spectacular, deeply textured paintings.
See more from Paul Balmer.
