Surprises of all shapes, types at library show

SHARON — “You make artifacts!” That was the conclusion of an artist friend who was looking at a collection of work by David James Valyou. “At the time, I hated it,” Valyou recalled. “But now I embrace it.”The observation is understandable. And yet, the amazing range and depth and totally engaging eccentricity of the artist’s paintings, drawings, sculptures and objects defies a facile label. As you will see at this multifarious show on view at the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon through March 31, with an opening reception Feb. 10.You may find you need more than one visit. There is so much to take in.You might well be drawn to the portraits. Some are abstracted, almost ghostly, impressions inspired by old daguerreotypes. Others large, surreal, an intricately detailed amalgam of shapes — feathers, brambles, threads and tributaries — evoke the central figure. Or consider his seductive works on paper — complex India ink fantasies in which the more you look, the more you see. Each minutely imagined section of these paintings tells a story, like a scene in a play. Actually one of Valyou’s earliest interests was set design. (When he isn’t painting, he restores houses — a set design made permanent.)Then there are the sculptures — striking three-dimensionals. Early on, Valyou crafted them from found materials: pieces of detached wallpaper, a kite-string spool, bits of broken toys. (Would you or I ever have seen their artistic value?) Lately he crafts the parts himself — carving and “embroidering” simple wooden shapes, gluing down papers, accenting with metals, nails, brads, string, bringing it all together with paint. “Some objects just seem to go together,” he said, of these assemblies — also “dis-assemblies.” All of his pieces come apart. In fact some allow the viewer the flexibility to change the piece even as it is hanging on the wall.Although the show is billed “1992-20012: Twenty Years of Painting,” Valyou is young for a retrospective. In fact, behind the man it is easy to spot the playful, somewhat devilish child. Consequently, there is a lot here for kids. Like his Teddy Bear Cake — a soft-sculpture wedge of chocolate layers composed of old teddy bears. (”Kids love this,” he said.) Plus other surprises, among them one for which this reporter was sworn to secrecy. Bring the children. They are sure to have a wonderful time.The opening reception offers wine and cheese and a chance to meet and talk to the artist. It will be held at the Hotchkiss Library, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. For further information, call the library at 860-364-5041 or go to www.hotchkisslibrary.org.