Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024 - 28

OF THE
MOUNTAINS
RIGHT: Keith Burgess: " Painting is the direct spiritual
connection with the common force that runs through the
universe. "
FACING PAGE LEFT: Eric Strauss: " My art is nature
inspired. I am surrounded by majestic mountains and
streams. "
FACING PAGE RIGHT: Jeff Chapman-Crane: " The people I
paint tend to have a universal quality to them, as if they
could be found in one's own community. "
A
s we set upon a quest for expressions
of creativity across
the region, we were once again
happily overwhelmed to rediscover the
Blue Ridge teeming with talent. From
across seven states, these exceptional artists
use a variety of tools and techniques,
represent a diversity of perspectives and
purposes and holds themselves to the
highest standards of integrity.
Through their work, we see the value
of art as an expression of individuality,
avenue for community engagement, a
reflection on and reverence for heritage,
commentary on culture and representation
of the beauty found in nature and
humanity.
Let's meet them, state by state.
GEORGIA
Keith Burgess, Hiawassee. " I would
describe the primal truth [of painting] as the
direct spiritual connection with the common
force that runs through the universe. "
After utilizing his creative talents for
years as a graphic artist/illustrator with
an Atlanta-based publishing corporation,
Keith Burgess returned to his lifelong
love of painting.
" As a child, the work of the French
Impressionists had always fascinated me.
The first painting I remember creating
was as a teenager. I painted the view of
28 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
the neighbor's house across the street
from my home. It was also my first time
using oils so it was very challenging. I had
been drawing up until then and I knew
after that I was hooked on painting. "
Burgess then expanded the formal
art education from his college days by
studying with nationally renowned artists.
Now he finds that representational
art is his preferred means of expression.
And " over the years, like many seasoned
painters, my style or brushwork has become
more abbreviated and I am constantly
trying to say more with less detail-leaving
more interpretation to the
viewer. "
Beyond the skills, Burgess describes
" the primal truth [of painting] as the
direct spiritual connection with the common
force that runs through the universe. "
In
addition to exhibitions, one-man
gallery shows and numerous honors and
awards across several states in the region,
Burgess teaches art. " The most rewarding
part is that I learn from my students,
as well. I usually teach adults, and I have
even taught persons suffering from dementia
which has its own special challenges.
There has been much research
about how art can help these patients. "
Moving forward: " My plans are to
build my brand as an artist by entering
national shows and competitions, and
continue learning. I think the rest will
fall into place. "
keithburgessart.com
Eric Strauss, Ellijay. " Working with fire
goes back to the dawn of time. So, my processes
of working with metals are physical and spiritual
experiences for me. "
From his home on a micro blueberry
farm in the Chattahoochee National
Forest, Eric Strauss mountain bikes to
his studio on a secluded ridge overlooking
the Cohutta Wilderness. Here, with
fire and metal, his vision of art interplays
with elemental science to create handforged,
organic assemblage sculptures.
Artists
http://www.keithburgessart.com http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024
