Retrospective exhibition at the Gumtree Museum of Art
Through the history of art we see how artists evolve through their careers. Vision, abilities, and sensitivities all change as the person charges through life accumulating experiences. John Dewey, in his seminal text on aesthetics Art as Experience, notes “Because experience is the fulfillment of an organism in its struggles and achievements in a world of things, it is art in germ”. Every experience, even the mundane can provide new insights and can highlight ways in which art can give us glorious new ways to see the world and become an experience itself.
“His/Hers”, Oil on canvas, 2009
“Lonnie”, Oil on handmade paper, 2010
“Goldenrod”, Oil on handmade paper, 2011
In this exhibition, A Retrospective: 2009-2019 at the Gumtree Museum of Art in Tupelo, MS I wanted to showcase examples of my work from the first 10 years of my career as a visual artist. In the Spring of 2009, in the midst of the US recession, I took a leap of faith with the unwavering support and encouragement of my wife to become a full-time artist. Traditional career paths which once seemed secure could no longer provide that stability. Art had not seemed like a practical option until this remarkable time when interest in my work and teaching began to grow. This exhibition includes a selection of work from 2009 and my first solo exhibition in 2010, “Songs of Innocence/Songs of Experience” at Highlands Fine Art Gallery in Jackson, MS, and follows my path through the Spring of 2019. You will see an evolution as well as consistencies which are direct results of experiences. For instance you will see growing interest in domestic scenes as my family grows, and explorations of different cultures as I travel more.
“Friday”, Oil on handmade paper, 2012
“Another Young Man”, Oil on handmade paper, 2013
“Spannocchia Castle with olive trees”, Oil on paper, 2014
“Computer-lit face #22”, Oil on handmade paper, 2015
10 years is not a long period of time. It is merely the beginning of what I hope to be a life-long career. My career began during difficult societal times and continues now through a world-wide pandemic. As difficult as it is, I have been overjoyed to see that when our normal routines in life are disrupted the arts can provide an opportunity for insight, reflection, and comfort. I am so grateful to those who are supporting artists and their work. We are experiencing life-changing events, but as Dewey said, experience “is art in germ”. So as you view work born out of my past experiences make sure to look forward to the work that is yet to come from artists and their current experiences.
“Dish towels on red table”, Oil on panel, 2016
“Quilt on rolling chair”, Oil on panel, 2017
“Floral, Tuscany”, Oil on handmade paper, 2018
“Spannocchia, Tuscany”, walnut ink, 2019