This blockbuster exhibition brings together three distinctive artistic voices, each exploring the natural world through their unique lens and personal journey.
From the intimate botanicals of Pierce to the expansive landscapes of Groves and the Eastern-influenced abstractions of Saffer, “Nature’s Voice” celebrates the diverse ways contemporary artists interpret and respond to the beauty of our environment.
Christopher Groves brings a profound connection to nature born from his early years exploring the Louisiana bayous and Colorado mountains. Born in Boulder and raised between Louisiana and Colorado, Groves developed his love for the outdoors through countless adventures in forests, waterways, and mountain ranges. His formal training at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy and his role as Lead Landscape Instructor at the Colorado Classical Academy have shaped his masterful approach to plein air painting. As a signature member of both the Oil Painters of America and the American Society of Marine Artists, Groves captures the essence of natural landscapes with both technical precision and emotional depth, creating works that transport viewers directly into the wilderness he knows so intimately.
Christopher Pierce is a nationally recognized artist whose stunning florals and still lifes emerge from the bounty of his own gardens. Pierce’s work demonstrates a mature sensitivity and panache that transform everyday botanical subjects into commanding artistic statements. His large-scale floral compositions are particularly renowned for their bold presence and sophisticated handling of light and color. Beyond his celebrated florals, Pierce’s versatility extends to portraiture, figures, and intimate interior scenes, all painted with the same level of technical mastery and artistic vision. Based in Shushan, New York, Pierce’s work reflects a deep understanding of both classical techniques and contemporary sensibilities, making him one of the most sought-after painters in the realm of contemporary realism.
H.M. Saffer II presents perhaps the most internationally diverse artistic journey of the three. Beginning his public art career at just six years old in Philadelphia, Saffer’s path led him to Temple University and then to Paris, where he simultaneously pursued economics, performed with legendary French musicians like Jacques Brel and Charles Aznavour, and operated restaurants in both Paris and Madrid. His artistic evolution took a distinctive turn in the 1980s when he began studying Sumi-e, the Japanese art of black ink painting, eventually traveling to Japan to work with master practitioners. This unique fusion of Eastern and Western techniques defines his current work, creating paintings that blend oriental philosophy with Western artistic traditions. His studies at L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts and his multifaceted career as musician, chef, and artist have culminated in works that reflect a truly global artistic perspective, making him a singular voice in contemporary art.
