"The Things That Come To Pass: works by Perry Riley Jr., MFA"
Opening Reception: Friday, March 1, 6 - 9 pm
Show Runs March 1 - 23, 2013
Born
in 1970 in Danville, Il, Perry grew up on a farm in Indiana where he
was greatly influenced by his relationship with Mother Nature. Perry's
professional training includes a BFA in Printmaking from the Herron
School of Art and an MFA in Printmaking from University of Texas at San
Antonio, where he graduated top of his class, receiving numerous awards
and recognition in both art history and a variety of mediums. Perry has
mastered a wide range of mediums which enables him to create his unique
works of art. He enjoys the fact that the gourd surface readily accepts
mixed medium applications which allows for his layering process to
develop richness.
Through
his artistic ability, Perry transforms the common gourd into an object
of power. He is inspired by the designs and surfaces of the old West
that was once located East of the Mississippi, from prehistoric eras
through the 1700's, including the transformation of the cultures as
colonial history unfolded. As an educator, he conducts workshops that
demonstrate and portray early American history in an engaging manner
that is both upbeat and informative. Additionally, Perry instructs
classes in contemporary art mediums and techniques while offering
insights into the history behind the methods.
"I
grow a lot of the gourds I use in my art work and it's an important
part of my process. Gourds have brought all my interests of outdoor
gardening, history and art together in one medium. I enjoy the fact that
I can grow my own canvas. Gourds are literally the Tupperware of the
old world and is an excellent way for me to reconnect with the Earth and
human history."
Perry
currently lives on a rural farm in Indiana in a log home and studio
both of which he designed and built from period buildings he found and
disassembled. His studio is located in the woods by the gourd growing
fields from which he draws great inspiration.
For more information on this exciting artist, you can visit his website at http://www.perryriley.com
and follow the link to his Facebook page where he regularly posts
pictures of works in progress, thoughts, history and his involvement in
various charities.
