Utah Tech University’s Sears Art Museum is showcasing the abstract paintings and sculptures of artist GK Reiser in its latest exhibition, “GK Reiser: Stepping Stones.”
The exhibition will open Sept. 13 with a reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Sears Art Museum, located in the Eccles Fine Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus. “Stepping Stones,” which is open to the public and free to attend, will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 8.
“GK Reiser is one of the most interesting artists working in Utah today,” James Peck, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, said. “His paintings show him to be a master of color, design and abstraction while his sculptures, sourced from dead trees, are wonderful organic visual puzzles.”
Reiser, who has lived in Escalante for more than a decade, has worked with a variety of media including stained glass, drawing, sculpture, painting, and furniture making. He paints exclusively with acrylics because of their quick-drying nature, which allows for a dynamic, layered approach. He often begins with detailed sketches that serve as a guide but evolve organically during creation. Reiser’s method balances planning and spontaneity, resulting in paintings that are both structured and instinctive.
Reiser’s sculptural work evolved from his furniture-making background. He sources his materials from dead trees within Escalante, transforming them into unique sculptures using chainsaws and hand tools. His intuitive and adaptive approach allows the natural imperfections of the wood to shape the final form.
“There might be an idea when I start, but somehow the tree itself will change the process,” Reiser said.
For more information about the exhibition and related events, visit searsart.com or email info@utsearsartmuseum.org.