Please join us for the opening reception of “From the Ground Up” featuring the work of Shane Hickrod. The artist’s latest work continues in his minimalist, single subject style with vibrant colors, depth of texture and complexity. The subject of this new body of work is flowers and trees. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available behind the building during this event.
The exhibit will be available through July 9th.
Artist Statement for “From the Ground Up”:
Much like real flowers and trees, this show started from a seed. The seed was the idea to simply paint flowers (the trees came along later). With time, the seed took root and spouted into a garden. These flowers and trees were not intended to grow in any particular way, but were allowed to grow wild and define themselves. They were created through a series of layering and scraping away as if tilling soil. From that soil, this show grew from the ground up.
About the Artist:
As many of us do, Shane started drawing and sketching as a child. But at the age of 18 he saw a retrospective of Francis Bacon paintings at the MOMA in New York City, which made a lasting impression on him. So much so, that he went on to graduate from USI with a BS in Art.
Constantly inspired by the world around him, he engages in his environment directly by enjoying active hobbies like skateboarding and bicycling. He finds those activities meditative, “but with the threat of bodily harm.” Irreverent, intense, and humorous, Shane’s robust view of the world readily influences his style of painting and sculpture. His work is often painted on large canvases, fitting for an artist who lives life in a big way.
"Art statements seem kind of pointless to me and historically have ruined my impression of some works of art. I like ambiguity especially in regards to visual art. I feel that when a piece is left on its own, it encourages an open dialogue with the viewer and through this collaboration meaning is found. We all have our own experiences and baggage that we bring to the conversation. The titles I give my work are usually only a description of some part of the piece; a color or some other embellishment that distinguishes one from another. I really only do this to make it easier to inventory because I feel that anything more than that would be leading and unnecessary. I want the viewers to be able and relate to my work in their own way.