Northcoast Artists Gallery presents their July show, "Maureen and Scott," featuring member artist Scott Gaustad, and painter Maureen O'Hara

Thirty years into Scott’s forty-five years of practicing law in Ukiah, a forensic CPA from Santa Rosa came to his office to assist him with a case. He saw his collection of Norfolk Pine bowls Scott had purchased at various times in Hawaii which were displayed in his conference room.  He asked Scott if he had turned them.  Scott laughed and said “If I could do that, I would not be doing this. The CPA from Santa Rosa had recently become a wood turner and invited Scott to his home to teach him how to turn a bowl—starting with a log.  After spending half a day with him, Scott was hooked. “I let the shape, grain, and nuances in the wood guide me with my tools. The results are almost magical.”

Scott has been a menber of gallery for almost  one and a half years and this is his first show.  There will be old growth, sinker and curly redwood pieces on display as well as other species of wood and a segmented vase. Scott photographed the steps in making one of the old growth bowls. ” I let the wood direct me and my tools as I am creating a project.  In this particular case, there was a lot of “directing” required, but the bowl “turned” out just fine.”

Maureen O’Hara is a painter in watercolor and acrylic. “As free as an artist can dream to be,” expresses my approach to the creative process. My artistic journey has paralleled my life’s interest. I draw inspiration from the beauty of the Mendocino coast, along with my passion for nature, gardening, my Koi pond, and a lifetime  of enthusiasm for horses. “To capture in a painting the sense of freedom and tranquility these things bring to my life leaves me with a sense of wonder and fulfillment.

Please join Scott, Maureen, and the other gallery artists on Friday, July 3rd, 5-8 pm for refreshments, and also enjoy downtown Fort Bragg’s First Friday Art Walk. Scott will also be working at the gallery on July 22 and 23.