The more I look, the more I realize how many incredible artists there are. I think it’s very possible that we all master some sort of artistry, but just don’t nurture it to it’s potential. It seems that somewhere down the line in our evolution art was separated from daily life. It became the work of artists, not the work of everyone. Just as most disciplines and professions became specialized and compartmentalized, art became a profession of sorts. According to Sarah Thornton who wrote “Seven Days in the Art World,” more and more people are devoting their time to the arts in past decade, whether it be becoming artists themselves or seeking out art and and collecting it. There can be several reasons for this shift, but whatever it is, the end result is that it is leading us to becoming more artistically literate and cultured. I’d like to believe that we are the way back to having art as an integrated part of our daily lives again, where everyone will adopt some sort of artistry in their lives.

Kris Lewis is very clearly talented. His technique and capabilities of rendering his subject to a photo realistic degree is gorgeous, but doing this is not always what he sets out to achieve. He incorporates a illustrative element which broadens his appeal. At times there are decorative and graphic elements to his paintings, something that I myself am always drawn to. His colour palette is generally of earth tones, and his composition, although sometimes similar to classic portraitures, are sometime reminiscent of Christian iconography. Did I mention his overwhelming inclination to painting women? I recently came across Lewis’ work, but had I come across his paintings long ago, I would have to admit to it being an influence on my mine. (We also have the same initials ) Check out his site!

John Brophy is a painter based out of Seattle, Washington.

This is what I found on John:
“John Brophy creates paintings that blend artifacts from global cultures and belief systems and juxtaposes them with the overarching affects of western consumer culture. Taking cues from the religious imagery of 15th century Flemish Primitive art, he takes their use of intimate compositions and understated gestures and reworks them using contemporary imagery to create surreal yet immediate new icons for the modern age.”

Icon painters unite!

Brophy’s work is astonishing, his technique kills and is content is very relevant. Check out his site here.

I came across a site featuring the work of David Spriggs. The selection of his pieces are, and I think you’ll agree, immediately captivating. His online images are only a glimpse of what the works must be like in person; some of his installations are enormous, at least one fills a room at 600 inches across, 144 inches high and 84 inches deep.

He paints on multiple planes of transparent film, one placed in from of the other and gorgeously lit, giving his works an incredible depth and and over all ghostly appearance. I think it’s brilliant and ingenious. I checked out Spriggs’ website and to my surprise I found that not only are we the same age, but we live in the same city of Montreal! Can’t wait to see his installations in person. Check him out www.davidspriggs.com.