Artist Statement and Studio
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I am an independent artist, my studio serves as my workspace, my inventory space, my place for supplies as well as where I sleep and eat. I need to be available to rest as needed throughout my day while I work because of severe scoliosis. In addition, born without arms (amelia, phocomelia), I paint with my feet. My studio space along with my unique perspective as a male with no arms in a society geared toward “handedness” influences my art.
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Painting in particular, oil painting, gives me new ways to express the layers of feelings that come with trying to live life in a meaningful way despite my severe physical constraints as well as others’ reactions to myself, and my work. Emotional reaction to myself, my work, and my encounters and interactions with society have always been strong and at times confusing for both me and others. My art allows me to both reach out as well as explain some of those emotions. Painting is non-judgmental, allowing me freedom of expression that is richer and more complex than words will allow.
My studio loft live/workspace allows me to be immersed in the expanse of my art. The studio adapts to my wants and needs for the exploration and inspiration that comes from daily interaction with the work. The studio aids in my exploring both the nature of my own work and allows me the ability to reflect and concentrate on exploring additional thoughts the previous works suggest. Using the series of works, I can define meaning and use that meaning to determine the fundamental truth aspects the art itself presents. This gives me as an artist the opportunity to work on theory. The studio with finished art on the walls changing in focus style and technique over time stands in for the mental workload of the mind and allows me peace as an artist.
My studio loft live/workspace allows me to be immersed in the expanse of my art. The studio adapts to my wants and needs for the exploration and inspiration that comes from daily interaction with the work. The studio aids in my exploring both the nature of my own work and allows me the ability to reflect and concentrate on exploring additional thoughts the previous works suggest. Using the series of works, I can define meaning and use that meaning to determine the fundamental truth aspects the art itself presents. This gives me as an artist the opportunity to work on theory. The studio with finished art on the walls changing in focus style and technique over time stands in for the mental workload of the mind and allows me peace as an artist.
Check out a quick clip of one of my demos at a workshop taken by Charles Washburn (It is located under videos)
https://www.facebook.com/charles.washburn.77/photos