With the Lights Turned Down and a Contemplative Eye
Art by Curtis Conwell
Opens Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Artist’s Statement:
Creative, essential, crucial, inspiring, a life-long journey, everything, beauty, a blessing . . . This is some of what art is to me. I see it as a chance to express different thoughts, feelings, and emotions. A chance to travel to a point never before seen, never before created.
In preparation for this showing I felt a need to accentuate the literalness of my work. The process made me question the figurative aspect of my work by wondering about the literal side of it. I questioned the motives and ideas behind the images I create.
I found some answers. And I also found that answers to meaningful questions, brings more means to find meaningful answers. An ever expanding spiral. But, I figure, if I wanted to be literal, I’d write a factual novel about my creative thoughts. I’m not that good with words. I’ll stick to painting.
In the last four years my main implement of creative expression has been the airbrush. Some paint brush as well. But mostly airbrush. I like the airbrush for it’s speed and softness. Yet with the right techniques and tricks, a cutting crispness that can’t be matched when paired with the achievable softness. It has a grace that I love.
My art started in childhood. Pencils, pens, and markers were my main tools. Paintbrushes started to mix in at the end of high school. Which was a struggle. And still is. But it is a process that I enjoy struggling with. Shortly after high school I purchased my airbrush. Which I did play with quite a bit, but it didn’t take a firm hold on my life.
Not till early ‘07 when my life was happily intertwined with two very creative gentlemen. Larry Albert and SpizOne Szymanski. Since then I have been able to produce more creative works than ever before. I dare say more than the rest of my life combined. Excluding tattoos. Which is what brought Larry, Spiz, and myself together. I’ve been doing that for fifteen years. The number of paintings will probably never surpass the number of tattoos I’ve done . . . probably.
There might seem to be a little “darkness” to some of my pieces. I assure you, it’s a playful darkness. It comes from looking at life with the lights turned down, a contemplative eye. A little squint on reality . . . or at least my perception of it.
Thank you,
Curtis Conwell
P.S.
I blame my family . . . for all the fun and love that I have. I blame myself for not letting them know everyday. Marge, John, Paul, Barb, JD, Camden, Gabe, Barb, Allison, Amy, Dad, Chris, Larry, Spiz, and more . . . I have a true love for the people you are and the person you help me be. Thank you.
Opening Reception
There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, March 4 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in The Corridor Gallery at Riverview, with free coffee and snacks.
Click here to view the Facebook event.
Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview (3585 Willoughby, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays - Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)
Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.