The Architecture of Experience

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT

The Architecture of Experience showcases the work of North Pole Studio artists Adam Richards and Deanna Weisenhaus. Their pieces interweave elements of language and structure, offering visual frameworks through which we make sense of our environments and lived experiences. This exhibition invites viewers to consider the personal architectures we construct to navigate the world. 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Adam Richards (b. 1973) is an introspective artist whose creative practice blossomed in his late 40s, following his first exposure to a progressive studio space. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a deep, personal connection to the symbols and shapes he uses. Working primarily with delicate drawing tools like graphite pencils and black ballpoint pens, Richards creates large-scale drawings on white paper, each piece woven from an intricate web of tiny, meticulously crafted symbols. These symbols, while largely abstract and personal, hold significant meaning to the artist, representing a language that is uniquely his own. Richards’ drawings often feature recurring motifs that carry deep personal significance. Objects such as a pin, baseball, sun, vehicles, and portraits of loved ones, along with his trusty "pooh bear" can all be found nestled within the complex web of shapes, characters, and numbers that comprise each piece. These motifs act as visual anchors, grounding his work in familiar, sentimental elements, while the web of repeating symbols adds layers of mystery and introspection. In his more recent work, Richards has embarked on a brave departure from his earlier, purely detailed drawings. Experimenting with sunni ink, gouache, and soft brushes, he has begun to abstract and fortify his symbols, presenting them in bold new forms. This shift reflects his ongoing artistic evolution, as he seeks new ways to express both his personal narrative and the deeper meanings behind his work.

Deanna Weisenhaus (b. 1999) is a self-taught artist based in Portland, Oregon. Rooted in observation and shaped by emotion, her work draws inspiration from the quiet beauty of the everyday; the architecture of domestic life, places lived and visited, and the local flora and fauna that shape her environment. Her practice is bold yet sensitive, playful yet contemplative. Guided by intuition and a sense of joy, Deanna translates her inner and outer worlds into vibrant abstractions. Repeating forms: silhouettes, structural gestures, and atmospheric spaces, become portals to memory and imagination.  Working primarily with ink, watercolor, and pastel, Deanna builds her compositions layer by layer, often beginning with a rich, black framework before introducing bursts of color. This process reflects both spontaneity and intention, resulting in work that is dynamic, inviting, and emotionally resonant.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Please note that this collection will be on view through TBD. We will coordinate pick-up and delivery of all purchased work the by TBD. Please email krista@northpolestudio.org with any questions!