SAN FRANCISCO - Hashimoto Contemporary is pleased to present Jeff Canham's debut solo exhibition Garden Variety. The Bay Area based woodworker and designer explores traditional sign painting techniques combined with woodworking sculptures. Garden Variety is a lush space of handcrafted cactuses, house plants and collaged signs inspired by Jeff's fascination with gardens and notable San Francisco signage.
Canham's plant pieces are created by hand in his wood shop located in the Outer Sunset. These plants started as adornments to his more traditional paintings and have evolved to be their own standalone objects. Most of the plants are created by utilizing found scraps around the artist's studio. Each unique remnant offers a curve that suggests a plant to the artist's eye and gradually becomes a design puzzle that needs solving. The finished sculptures maintain the flat graphic forms found in the artist's paintings and design work while honoring the playful shapes and compositions of the original source material. Individually, these finished plants have a warm, humorous and charming feel to them.
The artist's original practice began by creating collaged paintings. Drawn from Canham's background in design and sign painting, these works are created in the same manner as vintage signs, utilizing the rules of typography. Canham's paintings are inspired by the city around him. Presented alongside his plant sculptures is a series of paintings consisting of elements of signs from San Francisco’s main thoroughfares and shops. These assemblages highlight a few of the commonplace and wonderful old signs that Canham has encountered around San Francisco. Some may be easily recognizable to the viewer, while others may be hidden, waiting to be discovered.
Garden Variety will be on view November 6th - 27th with an opening reception on Saturday, November 6th from 11am - 7pm, no appointment necessary. Viewing appointments available for the duration of the exhibition here. In order to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff, please note that proof of full vaccination and masks are required for entry. For more information, additional images or exclusive content, please email SF@hashimotocontemporary.com
