Russell Brown

Two Sweet Potatoes

Oil on Gessoed Rag Stock

23.5 x 17.75"

$150

I was intrigued by the raw, earthy quality of the shape and color. Placing them against an unnatural background with bright light makes the Two Sweet Potatoes feel naked and exposed.

Artist Statement:

I have worked as a graphic artist for some 40 years  pushing pixels and telling corporate stories. Now retired, I am pursuing one of my long-term goals of doing personal work. One of the mediums that has always interested me is painting. I recall walking through the painting department in college soaking in the smells and energy that were ever-present in the studios. I wanted to try my hand at it! 

I've picked-up on thoughts, challenges and beauty that I'd left in my mental shed for years. Some as benign as a still life, others that are meant to tell a story. All of which I hope will register emotionally and aesthetically. I've found that it is important to show evidence of process in my work. It tells a sub-story of development leaving traces of the past, the scars that have healed. 

I am enjoying the challenge of painting and personal expression. It's more difficult than I'd anticipated looking for the poetry in life. It takes effort to consider worthy topics. It takes patience to develop skills. It takes courage to execute the vision. But when it all comes together, all the tangential themes intersect to create the possible, it is so rewarding.