Color Paper Scissors

September 09, 2024 in abstract art, art collectors, art galleries, art interview, charleston art, Chattanooga art, contemporary collage, corporate collection, fine art, modern art, new and abstract, urban art

COLLAGE. This time honored medium is having a global moment as artists all over the world are incorporating paper into their daily studio work. For my part, I’ve been working in this genre for about five years now and really can’t imagine letting the collage aspect of my work go anytime soon. Indeed, the interest in my collage workshops remains strong as this medium is very forgiving and doesn’t require drawing skills. I’ve even completely rearranged my studio to accommodate the organization of my collage material—this is essential to keeping my sanity as an artist.

Urban Botanical #372
87 x 12.5 inches — various collage papers, acrylic house paint and Irish linen waxed thread on hand stitched canvas. Industrial thread spool armature.

I’ve also begun to work more with hand stitched canvas this year and I’m looking at a more textile approach in my art practice. This is a natural exploration for me as I combine book arts sensibilities with my collage work. I’m still pursuing work on panel, both aluminum and wood, as well as using a lot of vintage book covers as my substrate. There is continuity as well as exploration as I navigate change and solidify my every day practice in the studio.

Urban Collage #373 displayed in the AVA Juried Members show 2024
78.5 x 68.5 inches — various collage papers, acrylic house paint and Irish linen waxed thread on hand stitched canvas. Wood, leather and hex bolt armature.

Urban Collage #330 hanging in TETHER (on the right)—the September show in the main gallery of The Loft in Marietta, Georgia on the square (photo courtesy of The Loft Marietta).

Also, a new era has begun as this year has seen some changes in representation for me—Citron Gallery in Asheville has closed its doors, this summer heralded the end of the relationship with my Nashville gallery, and exciting new representation began with The Loft Marietta. Change is always imminent, especially within the art world, and its best to roll with the punches and embrace new challenges.

Elemental Series: Urban Botanical Speed Painting #11

Old Roads to New Directions

May 12, 2017 in Chattanooga art, contemporary art, fine art painting, modern art, urban art

When I get bored or frustrated with my art practice, I always return to mark making. The sheer joy of pushing paint around with no destination in mind usually leads me into a new direction.

Pressing the rewind button allows me to get back in shape with the ACT of painting and in the process I see and feel new intention...new perspective...new possibilities. Now, many people would argue that there is always a signature feel to any artists work that you can never hide—hence old roads. I have found this to be profoundly true. We seem to carry the familiar with us wherever we go. In the midst of playing again, I found that my core interest—natures life cycle—crept right back in and gave me a fresh direction for my Urban Botanicals. I've also added a time constraint to the mix which adds to the intuitive feel of the marks.

I always feel renewed in purpose when my practice grows in shape and form. These new Urban Botanical Speed Paintings are both an old and new reflection of where I'm at as an artist and will act as a pathway to larger pieces that will incorporate urban street grid patterns in twine and collage methodology.

It really is true that yourself will follow you wherever you go.

New Work

Urban Botanical Speed Paintings are available @ Area 61 Gallery and York & Friends Fine Art

Affinity in Interests

May 12, 2017 in contemporary art, modern art, fine art painting, Chattanooga art

A new Gallery Relationship in Nashville

My latest Pod and Botanical Paintings find a New Home at York & Friends Fine Art

Every once in awhile you find a gallery relationship that clicks right from the beginning. Maybe its part of southern hospitality but I have been lucky to find not one, but two galleries here in Tennessee that make me feel like I'm part of a family. Here in Chattanooga its Area 61 on the SouthSide and now in Nashville—Ron York's gallery in the beautiful Belle Meade neighborhood on the west side feels like home.

Ron is a dedicated artist and art lover who has a way with making people feel like you've been pals for a very long time. He believes in the importance of art and expression in our everyday lives and York & Friends Fine Art is repeatedly voted as one of the best galleries in Nashville. Within 24 hours he sold one of my Botanicals and has done more promotion for me than anyone in that limited timeframe. Very much the professional—Ron is always seen as an art advocate and builds trust quickly with all who come in contact with him.

Drop by and see my latest series of pieces if your in town—Ron will always welcome you.