ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE : A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AMID A PANDEMIC

As we find ourselves in uncharted territory, we reached out to our artists to share their thoughts. we invite you to learn a bit more about these incredibly talented individuals, each now sheltering in their own residences.

FRANK BUCKNER

How long have you been an artist?

About 20 years. Started with a gift of brushes, paints and easel from my beautiful wife, Dianne, on an anniversary trip to the mountains.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

Steve Penley, Vincent Van Gogh, Robert Joiner, all the superb artists at The Loft.

Briefly describe your process for creating a work of art.

Crank up Jack Johnson radio, think a little, drink a lot. My new works are more abstract so I really don’t have a starting point and an ending point. I just push paint around until I get a shape I like. I sometimes have three or four images on top of each other until I’m satisfied.

What do you listen to when you work, if anything?

Jack Johnson radio on Pandora. Jackson Browne, Keb Mo, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Van Morrison.

When do you know a piece is finished?

When I would hang it in my home.

How has the current shelter-in-place order affected your work?

I enjoy painting more during this time. With restrictions in place and responsibilities reduced - it frees my mind.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

My age (let’s just keep that among us).

AND JUST FOR FUN…

What’s your favorite color?

All shades of blue

What's your favorite song?

That’s easy: “My Girl”

What’s your favorite movie?

Casablanca

Who is your favorite author?

Tie: James Lee Burke & Dean Koontz

Where are you going to travel when we safely can?

Cape San Blas

A Georgia native, Frank Buckner began drawing and sketching at an early age. His love of painting grew from a trip to the mountains and his wife’s gift to him of brushes and paints. Today, his work continues to evolve, but color and the natural world continue to intrigue and inspire this self-taught artist, whose preferred medium is acrylic on canvas. Buckner’s art consists of a mix of bold colors and purposeful distortion of shapes. Works by Buckner can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the country. The artist credits his wife of 51 years, and his “favorite collector” for inspiring him to cultivate his passion.