Thrice as Nice for the Art-Lovers of Bed-Stuy

Roman Gasowski moved to Bed-Stuy from the Midwest 15 years ago in hopes that Brooklyn would provide the inspiration he needed to truly flourish as an artist.

“But it took me a long time to get established here, because I found out quickly I had to work,” said Gasowski. “It’s only been in the last 5-6 years that I’ve been able to find the free time to begin working on my art.”

And now that Gasowski finally is finding the time to do what he was born to do, he’s hoping to bring the community together to share in his creative vision.

On Sunday, November 18, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Bed-Vyne Gallery, located at 370 Tompkins Avenue, Gasowski, along with his father David Gasowski – a sculptor – and George Spencer – a painter – will present “333,” an exhibit of three Bed-Stuy artists showcasing three completely different styles over the next three weeks.

Gasowski’s love for restoration and preservation is realized in his art which uses an assemblage technique that employs ink, acrylic paint, plastic, newspapers and found objects over recycled wood panels and old doors he picks up from around the neighborhood.

For his latest series, he creates a collage of magazine clippings from Sears catalogues dating back as far as 1919 to match with the time the doors were constructed. Other pieces reflect a connection to Africa through tribal drawings, while other collages are very colorful and whimsical, intended to reflect the more contemporary, urbane environment of NYC.

David Gasowski has been a sculptor for 50 years. Not unlike his son, David also takes a revisionist approach to creating art by making what’s old new again. 

“My creative vision has always been inspired by folk artists with their ability to turn trash into treasure by using found, discarded and recycled materials into items of creative, personal and social significance,” said David. “The use of these recycled raw materials have always had an endless potential for me. “

Brooklyn native George Spencer already boasts an established name as a painter on the New York art scene.  Spencer will present black and white portraits that celebrate Brooklyn’s tradition of developing world-class boxers.

“Boxing is simultaneously a thinking man's and a working class sport - both are traits that define me and my paintings,” said Spencer. “Two early and ongoing inspirations for my interest in boxer portraits are Brooklyn based. 'On the Waterfront', the well celebrated film about a boxer is set in Brooklyn, and the World Famous Gleason's Gym, which is where so many boxers have practiced and fought - both the winners and the contenders.

“My work is about the contenders, the bloodied yet unbowed.”

The art exhibit "333" will kick off on Sunday with a cocktail reception and light hors d'oeuvres. The artists' work will be for sale, ranging in price from $50 – $1,500.

The exhibit is open Saturdays and Sundays, from November 18 – December 9, 2012. And by appointment by calling 347-806-2658 or emailing ragski@yahoo.com.