|
Review he humbly received from his "Solo Show" at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh ;
He is a visionary, bringing enlightenment through the use of color and light, in a way that touches all who see. A luminosity glows from the depth of the canvas that is not visible in a reproduction. It is predominantly an imagery of the senses, created out of a natural expression of the inner unconscious mind. There is a meditative quality like the flow and balance of the philosophies of the East. The harmony it creates is almost musical, and as one walks around the gallery space, the feeling flows from one painting to the next. Each is different, yet there is a consistency.
Richard has gone beyond the technicalities to become one with the medium. One is reminded of the early Surrealist painters, particularly Malta and Arp, and their fascination with automatism, a process of working directly from the senses in order to tap into the unconscious and capture the spontaneous expression of the innermost depths of man's soul and being. Or as Jung referred to it, the collective unconscious. The imagery is reminiscent of dreams capes, underwater vegetation, spectrums of color glowing from ambiguous places, and embryonic forms looking inward and outward from the womb simultaneously. The fibrous organic images have the appearance of living forms. The sum appears, and masses of energy radiate from it. Some images appear to be mystical representations of other places, with vibrant colors creating the illusion of movement.
The artist speaks of his purpose: to reach out and touch people, and give them pleasure and spontaneity, and allow them whatever their eyes and minds create in the presence of his images. One can look at his paintings, and also into them. The depth of the experience is entirely up to the viewer. In this, his purpose has been recognized. The reaction of people has been overwhelmingly positive. Young and old alike find something to appreciate, with each seeing and responding differently, but all are affected. Many cannot express why they like his work, or what exactly it is that they see and relate to, but it is a recognition and intuitive understanding of a joyful expression of positive energy.
He speaks of his work with difficulty, as if it were something outside of himself which simply appears on the canvas in front of him. He views it as a gift, a tool given to aim to share with others, and to enlighten and uplift even one person in a world where such moments are not frequent enough. His enthusiasm stems from an unshakable belief in the importance of his work in creating a positive experience for others to share and enjoy. His humility in taking credit or wanting recognition is refreshing. Rather, it is his imagery that he wants to enhance the lives of others, by experiencing the same joy out of which it was created!" A person who humbly devotes his life, his gift, his passion...his art, and offers it in grateful celebration to his Creator and shares it with all."
|