Art House 310 First Friday – Five Artists Show
Opening Reception | First Friday September 6th, 2024 | 6-10pm
This event is free to attend and open to the public. Show hangs through September 22nd, 2024. Art House 310 is located at 310 S. Laura. Two blocks SE of Douglas & Washington in downtown Wichita.
Participating Artists:
MATTHEW HILYARD
CLINTON WILLIS
DAVID PETTY
JEREMY WILLIAMS
TIMOTHY REAMS
Artist Statements:
MATTHEW HILYARD
My work aligns itself in the liminal space between disciplines. With a wide range of mediums.
Working what comes to hand: discarded remnants of trades & the everyday. This eclectic approach to materiality encapsulates the notion of wayfaring, following the materials rather then traveling a fixed path.
I always investigate the art as an object premise and through this practice I aim to find a balance between artist led intervention, networked assemblage and material agency. Materiality allows me to consider painting as a set of possibilities rather than a medium in stasis.
See more of Matthew’s work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/matthewhilyardart15/.
CLINTON WILLIS
My art is an homage or a love letter to the art movements of German Expressionism
and Fauvism. Both of these movements began in the early 20th century but faded over time like many other art movements of the past.
When I paint an expressionist or fauvist piece, I do not want to add any kind of modern flair to the work. Rather than reinventing the two art movements I want to study them and try as best as I can to capture the expressionist and fauvist spirit. I want my work to look and feel old as if it was done between the 1920s -1940s when German Expressionism and Fauvism were thriving.
If one has never heard of Fauvism or German Expressionism know that they can both be summarized as diving into bold and vibrant colors and the work made is not based on or guided by realism principles but emotion.
See more of Clintons’s work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clinton.tarantino/.
DAVID PETTY
“I am David Petty, a mixed-media artist specializing in abstract compositions that explore the intersection of layered collage and various mark-making techniques. My work combines these elements to evoke a profound sense of nostalgia, inviting viewers to connect with the past through textured and dynamic visuals. Often inspired by old paper and illustrations, my pieces reinterpret these materials, giving them new life and context.
My artistic journey began with a fascination for vintage ephemera and the stories they hold. I am particularly drawn to the tactile qualities of aged paper, weathered photographs, and antique illustrations, which I incorporate into my work to create a dialogue between the past and the present. Through layering and manipulation, I aim to uncover hidden narratives and evoke emotions tied to memory and time.
The process of creating my art is both intuitive and deliberate. I start by selecting materials that resonate with my current themes, often scavenging for unique textures and patterns. Mark-making techniques, such as drawing, painting, and scratching, are then applied to build complexity and depth within the composition. Each mark is a testament to the passage of time, reflecting the gradual accumulation of experiences and memories.
Themes of nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time are central to my work. I strive to create pieces that not only capture the essence of bygone eras but also invite viewers to reflect on their own personal histories. By juxtaposing contemporary elements with historical references, I seek to bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering a space for contemplation and connection.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art that resonates on a deeply personal level, sparking a sense of recognition and reminiscence. Through my mixed-media practice, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of the past while embracing the present and future.”
See more of David’s work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/davidapetty/.
JEREMY WILLIAMS
I’ve always had an interest in how design elements interact with each other, and by implementing various materials, I’ve embraced the seemingly infinite possibilities of mixed media. I’m constantly evaluating what my piece “needs” in order to achieve the “variety within unity” mantra. “Dimensional” painting has become my focus, honing my style, while still being flexible enough to explore different techniques.
I enjoy employing deep/hidden concepts into my work, as I have a somewhat-cryptic mind. The title can aid the viewer to have the “aha” moment, for what the work is about, but those concepts are not the priority. I strive to provide solid design, as my primary motive is of viewer experience, to be creative and innovative, and hold their attention.
My love of abstract is rooted not only in design, but also in the opportunity to connect with the viewer in a unique way.
See more of Jeremy’s work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jerillium/.
TIMOTHY REAMS
My artwork is a dialogue between realism and abstraction, rendered through the vibrant medium of acrylic paint on canvas. I am deeply influenced by my experiences in the military and my travels around the globe, which have profoundly shaped my understanding of emotion and color.
In my realistic animal portraits, I strive to capture the essence and intricacy of each animal, starting with the eyes. Each piece is a meticulous exploration of form and texture, reflecting my fascination with the natural world. Through detailed brushwork and a focus on accuracy, I aim to evoke a sense of connection and reverence for the beautiful animals that share our planet.
Conversely, my abstract work is a personal journey into the realm of color and emotion. I select hues that resonate with me on a visceral level, and my compositions emerge from the interplay between these colors and the feelings they provoke. This intuitive approach allows me to explore and express complex emotional landscapes, informed by my diverse experiences.
My creative process is immersive and intense. Once I conceive an idea, I dedicate myself to it wholly, often working for days or even weeks until the piece feels complete. This dedication reflects my commitment to capturing and conveying the depth of my experiences and emotions through art.
Ultimately, my work is an exploration of the intersection between the tangible and the intangible. It is a quest to convey the profound impact of my experiences and the nuanced spectrum of emotions that arise from them. Through both realism and abstraction, I seek to invite viewers into a space of contemplation and connection.