I am intrigued by nature. No matter what we make, construct, or destroy, we are still surrounded by the presence of what has existed since long before our time. I can’t help but feel that I am not a creator of art, only a manipulator what already exists.
My goal as an artist is to combine these two – the existing beauty of natural earth and the human efforts of melding what was already here into something new. In my work you will find landscapes intersected by architectural elements. Harsh lines on soft washes.
The added geometric elements are not intended to destroy the landscapes or mark them in any negative way. They are there to join the two: a harmony of the nature and inhabitant.
Yet this harmony holds irony. The hard lines with all of their presence and power are momentary. The work of the inhabitant will eventually disappear into the enveloping landscape controlled by elements and time.
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48" x 24" acrylic on masonite (Sold)
24" x 24" acrylic on masonite (SOLD)
Contact
Gallery Representation
Named Southwest Art Emerging Artist January 2011
About Me
- Justin Wheatley
- Justin Wheatley lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tree #17
48" x 24" acrylic on masonite (Sold)
Tree #12
24" x 24" acrylic on masonite (SOLD)
2 comments:
Justin- I love the paintings, and the blog. I found it really interesting that your focus is on the human intervention in the landscape. Its definetly something I deal with all the time in architecture.
As you said, we don't create new things - we are merely organizing existing matter into something else. Everything we make carries a history and a trace from its origins- all leading back to nature.
I feel that some of the most intriguing architecture uses the same concept of landscape and human intervention. Maya Lin's Vietnam memorial was intended to be a scar in the landscape. The two straight walls excavate into the earth to reveal the black polished stone, making it inside the earth yet very distinct from its surroundings.
Another great one that's a little closer are the tunnels in southern utah: concrete cylinders on their sides that align with the sunset, and are perforated to match the star constellations- we'll have to go down there some time-- anyway thanks for doing the painting for us- Celia, me and Maya appreciate it.
Here's hoping that you start posting… your art is amazing, but I bet the story behind the art is probably moreso.
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