“Thriving on a Riff: A Life in Art and Music”
New Book Documents the Artistic Life of Painter Marsha Hammel
What: Open studio reception for “Thriving on a Riff” – a new book on artist Marsha Hammel
When: 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, 2021
Where: 1901 Kanuga Rd., Hendersonville, NC
How much: Free and open to the public
Information: galleryflatrock.com, 828-698-7000
Marsha Hammel - Introduction of "Thriving on a Riff"
Marsha Hammel
The Gallery at Flat Rock is excited to announce the release of the book “Thriving on a Riff: A Life in Art and Music” which details the creative life of gallery artist Marsha Hammel, an internationally collected painter who lives in Hendersonville. A special exhibit and drop-in reception will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17 and 18 at the artist’s Hendersonville studio.
“Imagine! A book about my life and art and I’m not even dead yet!” says Hammel, who has painted in oils in a modernist, representational style for over 50 years. Hammel’s longtime agent in London, Rosenstiel’s Fine Art, commissioned the book in 2020 to detail her life and the evolution of her art over the decades. “Thriving on a Riff” is filled with Hammel’s written observations about art and archival photos of her at work, in addition to pages from her sketchbooks over the years. “Thriving on a Riff” is available in the U.S. exclusively through The Gallery at Flat Rock.
Hammel calls the biography of her life’s work “a lively account that stretches from the 1950s to the present illustrated with ‘vintage’ photos, dozens of large color plates, sprinkled with essays and stories.” She adds, “Looking over all this material surprised me. I thought, ‘Did I do all that?!’”
The open studio will offer a chance to view many of Hammel’s paintings represented in the book, some from the 1960s and 70s, as well as newer works based on those earlier pieces. Artwork will be available for purchase through The Gallery at Flat Rock.
A longtime painter of musicians, Hammel chose for the book’s title the word “riff”—a repeated rhythmic or melodic phrase, that forms an accompaniment to musical composition or improvisation. While not a musician herself, Hammel has always found inspiration for her artistic approach and painterly composition through listening to musicians. “The creative process for writing and performing music is very much the same as painting,” she says. “Atmosphere and tone are the intangible goal of the creator, whether for sound or a visual piece. This what we strive for.”
“Thriving on a Riff” is a limited first edition, with only 500 copies and sells for $200; the price includes an original drawing by Hammel. For collectors that purchase any of Hammel’s art valued at more than $600, a copy of the book will be included in the sale.
