Located in the idyllic Skagit Valley, the Bitters Co.’s Barn is the site of both a selection of houseware goods and occasional events throughout the year. Founded by sisters Amy & Katie Carson, Bitters Co. highlights makers from around the world specializing in housewares, glassware, cork, and more. In addition to their wholesale business, the Carson sisters often welcome chefs, makers, and artists to their space. The upper level of the barn creates a beautiful venue for all types of objects, and from September 14 to October 13 visitors can enjoy drawings by a somewhat surprising artistic trio: Amy Carson, Susan Bennerstrom, and Whiting Tennis.

On Paper an exhibit of drawings by Susan Bennerstrom, Amy Carson, and Whiting Tennis is a delight because it brings together three artists who do not solely create drawings on paper. Though their styles range greatly, the show highlights their more abstract and non-representational work. Readers are likely familiar of drawings by Whiting Tennis with their fluid and wandering nature. Whiting once remarked that he attends life drawing classes but chooses to make automatic drawings even when his fellow classmates are observing and drawing the model. The resulting work creates a confluence of technology, nature, and art historical references. Has technology taken over and formed an alliance with nature? Perhaps. What forms and shapes emerge from the human mind as a part of automatic exercise? Many, it appears. Tennis’ drawings in the show vary in color, which is consistent with his drawings exhibited elsewhere.

“Untitled Stage Study”evokes a sketch of a structured physical environment with shading and texture, whereas “Fridge” references Tennis’ attraction to automatic drawing. The artist, is represented by Greg Kucera Gallery in Seattle and Derek Eller Gallery in New York, so eager viewers have another Northwest venue to see Tennis’ larger paintings and sculptures. However, a selection of the artist’s drawings is truly a treat, especially in this artistic pairing.

Drawing unifies this exhibition, but the process of each artist and resulting style makes each unique. It is also worth noting that both Tennis and Susan Bennerstrom create work at a larger scale and different medium besides drawing. Bennerstrom’s paintings are observations of the world retold by the artist. Bennerstrom clarifies that she does not define her style as that of a realist, but her precision does reference realism with an unexpected edge. The scene is familiar to the viewer but something about the composition and flat colors feel manufactured or imagined by the artist. In comparison, it is Bennerstrom’s drawings that are brought to the forefront in this exhibition. During the COVID-19 pandemic the artist poured time into her drawing practice and the result is multiple series of abstract works. “Lisbon” and “Nether Land” are included in this show, and both exhibit an extraordinary amount of tension. The shapes appear to push and pull each other within the picture plane, while the evidence of the artist’s hand give the drawings a sense of immediacy.

Bitters Co. co-founder Amy Carson also has drawings included in the show. Carson’s entire body of work brings attention to the artist’s interest in the physicality of materials and a study of color combinations. The essential shape of an object is considered and the artist brings that shape in to comparison to others through the use of color play. The black-and-white work in this show even more so heighten an interest in following the artist’s hand and gesture across the paper or board to guide the eye across the surface. The physical surface does not limit Carson, who often extends the image beyond the perimeters in the viewer’s imagination.

Drawings feel more immediate than almost any other medium. With a small leap of imagination, the viewer can visualist the artist creating a work on the surface in front of them. On Paper is no exception to this practice. Each artist is attracted to drawing to fulfill a particular need or interest, with the resulting work exhibiting a juxtaposition of control, tension, and action. It is also worth noting that the show is not on display in the white box of an art gallery. Gallery spaces are excellent venues for displaying artwork, but it is also important to consider work in locations that bring another context or perspective. Drawings installed on wooden barn walls certainly can change the context or interpretation of work, but it is up to each unique viewer to bring that aspect of the show.

Chloé Dye Sherpe

Chloé Dye Sherpe is an art professional and curator based in Washington State.

On Paper is on view from September 14 through October 13 at Bitters Co. Barn, located at 14034 Calhoun Road in Mount Vernon, Washington. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information, visit www.bittersco.com.