360modern manager Rick Ward is also the founder of building company Next Century Modern which specializes in building site-specific homes custom designed to grant the beauty of the modern aesthetic and to exact the utmost from the setting; the intersection of luxury and function. This past week, their latest project went on the market: 2460 Crestmont Place W in Seattle, Washington. The home is full of unique design touches. In fact, there are so many, we have decided to split our feature of the home into a series of blogs. This one, the first, dives into the artwork hanging in the staged home, all of which came from Treason Gallery in Seattle, Washington. Each piece has been selected to invoke a different but cohesive piece of a story as you wander throughout the home.
We spoke with Treason Gallery’s Cofounder and Creative Director Matthew McMurry about the art he chose to feature and what makes each piece unique for this home:
360modern: Let’s start with some background information, how did Treason Gallery start? What was the inspiration for its creation?
Matthew McMurry: Treason Gallery started about 4 ½ years ago in a space in Ballard. From there, we moved to our current Pioneer Square location. The move inspired some shifts in our curation focus. We started looking specifically for new contemporary work with roots in the street art and urban contemporary art. A lot of the artists started in the streets, non-commissioned.
The name was inspired by curation style and our idea to be somewhat counter culture. We take pride in going against some of the traditional PNW flow which has a strong emphasis on local artists and local subjects. We like to look at art that is speaking the global conversation of art.
360modern: Is there a style of art that you look for when choosing artists to exhibit?
MM: One of the key components we look for are artists who we believe are relevant in the global conversation or artists who have the potential to become relevant in a global conversation. We have an eagerness to be part of that conversation so we look for artists who feel the same need. This doesn’t mean that all our artists aren’t local to Seattle, we do have some great Seattle artists. But we also have artists from New York or Los Angeles as well. Of course, the exhibits are also always influenced by my personal curating style as well.
360modern: How did Treason gallery and Rick Ward of Next Century Modern building get connected?
MM: We had been looking for ways to branch outside of the gallery and present the work in a more natural setting. We wanted to immerse the viewer in the experience of viewing the art as it would be viewed in a home, surrounded by other art, like a curator of art would show the pieces. One of the stagers who was working on the Crestmont project with Rick reached out to us to see if we would be interested in presenting some work in the home. As we learned more about the project, we knew this could be the opportunity to branch out and show the eclectic scope of what we curate.
360modern: Did the home Rick is building impact the art you chose to display at the Crestmont home?
MM: The space and the art should be like a conversation between the architecture of the home and the art itself. We wanted to present the art so that it flows, but also wanted it to accentuate the style of the home.
There were a few pieces that really stood out as creating that dynamic balance between flow and accentuation. The first is in the entryway and is one of the first things you will see when entering the home, titled Protector of Light. It is by Matthew Ryan Herget. We love it in the entryway because it presents a soothing nature as soon as you walk in.
Then, when you turn the corner into the main living room, you are presented with a large landscape of Yosemite titled Shipbreaking, Yosemite Valley by artist Mary Iverson that ties in really well with the view of the trees through the window. It acts as a continuation of the views and scenery that surround the home. The master bedroom features a piece titled Diver in the Desert by photographer John Keatley of a scuba diver in a desert. It embodies an enchantment that is so important to the bedroom. The dreamscape of the diver peering into the desert. It really is surreal and dreamy.
The roof features a steel sculpture by Michael Walsh that feels like it could actually be part of the home. There are so many pieces that match the modern design and layout of the home. Each room has a different story to tell, yet they all flow together. It feels natural walking through the home and viewing the art. We wanted to present what could be a well-rounded portfolio for an art collector.
Question 7: Is the art displayed at the Crestmont home available for purchase? How would someone learn more about the pieces displayed there?
MM: Yes, the price lists are available on site, if you’re visiting the home in person. Several of the pieces are blue chip art, such as those pieces by Swoon, arguably the most influential female street artist, or Shepherd Fairey, whose name you may recognize as the artist behind the 8-story tall banner in South Lake Union. If someone is interested in learning more about the art and would like to learn more, they are welcome to email us directly. We are also offering the future buyer of the home the ability to purchase the full collection.
Question 8: What upcoming events do you have at the Gallery?
MM: We currently have our last exhibition up for 2018. It will be available for viewing through November 17 at the Treason Gallery in Pioneer Square. The current gallery features Mary Iverson whose piece Shipbreaking, Yosemite is hanging in the living room at Crestmont.
If you’re interested in learning about future events and exhibitions, signing up for our mailing list is the best way to stay in the loop.
You can view the full list of artwork, pricing, titles, and dimensions by clicking here: Pricelist-Crestmont-Treason-Gallery
ABOUT TREASON GALLERY
Treason Gallery is a contemporary, fine art gallery committed to art and artists who push the envelope in today’s circumstance. Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Treason offers a fresh and approachable attitude to the art culture that the historic Pioneer Square has fostered for some time.
Looking to push the bounds of conventionalism, Treason seeks artists who challenge traditional concepts and presentation with an emphasis on individuality. Curating emerging and mid-career artists from Seattle and around the globe, Treason looks to create an accessible and engaging gallery space.
TREASON Gallery challenges its audience to let go of the constrictions of orthodox understandings and take an unhindered approach to the beauty of each artist’s vision.
GALLERY HOURS
Thursday – Saturday | 12-6PM |
Tuesday and Wednesday | APPT ONLY |
(206) 257-5513
319 3rd Ave S, Seattle
#ActsofTreason
Featured Art (Header Image): Infinite by Bisco Smith (2018) | Paint on Canvas |
96” x 58” | $10,500