My primary focus is inventing unusual geometric shapes and painting them in various color and pattern combinations.
During bad times or good times, I cannot think of any other activity or job that I’d rather be doing.
Art keeps me anchored.
As a child, I had an idea to find flat rocks and glue them to a black painted piece of plywood. This was my first piece of art.
When I discovered papier-mâché, I went wild making weird little shapes, painting them with naïve patterns and weird icons. For fun, I would mail cryptic drawings to random friends without a return address. To this day, some of them have no idea who sent those alien-like glyphs!
I grew up in a mid-century modern home on a lake which influenced my decision to study architecture. Little did I know that this would involve taking a zillion math courses. Seeing as that side of my brain does not work, I resolved the dilemma by loading up on drawing and painting classes.
In the library, I found a series of books titled “Graphis” where I first learned the term “graphic design.” It seemed to me that graphic design was a perfect combination of art, illustration, 3D exhibits and signage, as well as architecture. Hence, I embarked on the wonderful experience of learning several art-related skills all at once.
I have been a full-time painter for 21 years. Through the ups and downs, the only thing that keeps me happy is planning the next painting. As a trained colorist, I spend most of my time thinking of new shapes and color combinations. I paint during the night with false light. With a nod to the fundamentals, I add new shapes and colors, all the while thinking, “hopefully this will all pull together.” There is a point when the painting sings to me that it’s time to finish.
Primal symbolism
Design theory
Creative chaos
Architecture
Petroglyphs
Rauschenberg
Layers of acrylic paint
Sandpapering
Patternmaking
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Maine College of Art, Portland, ME
Art and Architecture Studies - University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Design Management - Parsons School of Design, New York City, NY
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
“Revisions: Outside Looking In” - Tohono Chul Art Gallery, Tucson, AZ, 2016
“Tucson Museum of Art Biennial” - Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson, AZ, 2011
“Solo Show: New Work” - MAST, Tucson, AZ, 2010
“Dialogue” - Azora Gallery, Tucson, AZ, 2007
“Color, Shape, Texture: A Delicate Balance” - Tucson Airport Authority, Tucson, AZ, 2000
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
C. J. Shane. “Revisions: Outside Looking In.” Sonoran Arts Network. Online, 2016 Margaret Regan. “inside Out.” Tucson Weekly. Newspaper, 2016
Mark Mussari. “3 of a Kind.” Tucson Home. Magazine, 2009
Ikea Magazine. “Southwest of the Border.” Magazine, Issue Seven, 2001