Jim Gingerich Is Artist-In-Residence At The Church

Artist Jim Gingerich has been invited by co-founders Eric Fischl and April Gornik to be the first visual artist in residency at The Church in Sag Harbor. Gingerich’s residency began March 25 and runs through April 23. Gingerich follows the Martha Graham Dance Company, which had residency at The Church during February. During his time at The Church, Gingerich will work on his new series of sculptures titled “The Hallelujah Maquettes,” integrating them with paintings he created in the last 50 years.

“Fifty years ago, I dedicated my life to fine art. I have produced thousands of paintings and drawings. And recently, a solid body of sculpture work — ‘The Hallelujah Maquettes,’” wrote Gingerich in a statement. “I’ve never minded having an edgy existence, in fact, I prefer not knowing to knowing. I have made a very big bet with my life, but it takes courage every day to walk in the studio alone like a boxer into the ring, especially when things are as challenging as they have been during the pandemic.

“I’m extremely happy for this special opportunity to work at the beautiful studio at The Church. Clearly a great honor and a call to action. I plan to push ahead with my sculpture as well as a new series of paintings referencing my abstract work from the ’70s and early ’80s,” he added. “If I can feel the magic in my hands and put that feeling into a figure — like a spark struck into dry kindling — and blow a flame to life, then hopefully the viewer feels this warmth and feels connected to the creation and becomes part of the performance. This sharing of emotion, this imaginary projection of one’s self into ‘the other’ — to inhabit the other body and experience that life for a moment — this is a form of compassion, of aesthetic empathy.’

“There are two questions I ask before I start a body of work: Does it have a heart? Will this make people feel better or worse? Working at The Church is a very special opportunity,” he continued. “The interior is inspiring as it is its own work of art.”

Sara Cochran, the executive director and chief curator of The Church, said: “We are delighted to have Jim working in the space. It feels so hopeful to see the studio full of his paintings and sculpture and to see him busy creating. After such a dark year, it is great to see creativity in action.”

For more information about The Church, visit sagharborchurch.org.