MEET THE ARTIST
Join us at gallery43.2 in Marietta
RETROSPECTIVE: new works by Craig Ford
gallery43 is pleased to present RETROspective, featuring new works by Craig Ford. The solo exhibit will be on view from June 29 through July 29, 2018. A Meet the Artist Reception will be held during the popular First Friday Art Walk on the Marietta Square, July 6, 5pm-9pm..
A visual storyteller, Craig Ford takes ordinary objects and creates different meanings and ideas in their combinations. Ford uses oil paint and mixed media, including photographs, to reimagine the lives of the subjects in his works. Nostalgic icons or everyday items find a place in his compositions. “For me, this series is about shared experiences and distant memories that we all have. Events and places that most of us have had at some point in our lives,” states Ford. “We all have old memories that seem a little unfocused and not very detailed,” Ford continues, “but there’s usually one or two moments that always stand out in our minds. I try to suggest such experiences.”
Of his process, Ford explains, “I start with old photos, taken by folks I may or may not know, of people and places that I may be just as ambiguous of. From there I try to add to the image, sometimes realistic imagery and sometimes very expressionistic qualities. For me, the line between distant memories and the dream state are very similar in that often seemingly unrelated items get put into that common notion that we ourselves then have to figure out. Just as in a dream, we are often puzzled as to why or what the various elements really mean. And without a specific reason, we have to assume they are there to offer some emotional guidance to an incomprehensible story. So while a viewer may ask me what the actual meaning of one of my works is about, it really is up to the viewer to draw their own conclusion. And in doing so, this personalizes their experience with the piece.”
“We are extremely excited to showcase this series of work,” says gallery43 partner Bonnie Buckner Reavis. “The pieces included in this exhibit are like none I’ve seen before. They offer a beautiful marriage of vintage and new, presenting nostalgia in a fresh way. We are also including many of Craig’s process works in the show, some of which are beautiful interruptions of their companion evolutions. The emotion it evokes is perfect for a summer show, and we cannot wait to share these pieces.”
RETROspective will be on view at gallery43’s satellite showroom, gallery43.2. Located at 135 Church Street in historic downtown Marietta, the space provides an intimate view of gallery43 resident artists’ works. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the gallery at 470-321-3227 or visit gallery43events.com.