Artist Statement
Art has rhythm. Within the rhythm of art, I find peace. Whether using oils, colored pencils or inks, I am at my most meditative state while exercising intricate detail and fine brush strokes. Oils are my preferred medium because they flow and blend well enough so that I may achieve a sort of 'modeled' effect that is characteristic of my technique.
As far back as I can remember, my early childhood consisted of drawing and painting. Art has always been encouraged by my family. I naturally fell into comic books for their stories and overly-idealized anatomies as well as television cartoons for their simple character designs and geometries. It was no surprise that by my teenage years my interests were piqued by the world of graffiti. Completely awestruck by the animated characters, tangled lettering and explosive colors, I soon realized that it would forever find a place at home in my art.
I am interested in how the use of images and colors can evoke emotion. My latest works consist of exaggerated bodies suspended in and sometimes overwhelmed by their environments. The figures are captured with twisting, elongated limbs and bold, unavoidable gazes against an ambiguous background. Treated with particular monochromatic color schemes to set the mood, the paintings are executed in a manner that will bring the viewer in to appreciate the fine detail and brushwork, but leave them with an overall impression that remains curious and unsettled.
As far back as I can remember, my early childhood consisted of drawing and painting. Art has always been encouraged by my family. I naturally fell into comic books for their stories and overly-idealized anatomies as well as television cartoons for their simple character designs and geometries. It was no surprise that by my teenage years my interests were piqued by the world of graffiti. Completely awestruck by the animated characters, tangled lettering and explosive colors, I soon realized that it would forever find a place at home in my art.
I am interested in how the use of images and colors can evoke emotion. My latest works consist of exaggerated bodies suspended in and sometimes overwhelmed by their environments. The figures are captured with twisting, elongated limbs and bold, unavoidable gazes against an ambiguous background. Treated with particular monochromatic color schemes to set the mood, the paintings are executed in a manner that will bring the viewer in to appreciate the fine detail and brushwork, but leave them with an overall impression that remains curious and unsettled.
Bio
William Wooten is a freelance and fine artist who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and currently lives and practices in Portland, Oregon. He made his move to the great northwest in 2006 and began attending Portland State University in 2008. In 2011, he received a Bachelor of Science in Fine and Performing Arts with a major in Drawing, Painting & Printmaking. He is constantly experimenting and working to expand his body of work.
Group Exhibitions
2012 Skateboard Show
Space Monkey Coffee, Portland, OR
2011 The Gallery Zero Presents: The Holiday Art Show
The Gallery Zero, Portland, OR
2010 PSU Advanced Painting Senior Class Winter Art Show
The Water Heater, Portland, OR
Space Monkey Coffee, Portland, OR
2011 The Gallery Zero Presents: The Holiday Art Show
The Gallery Zero, Portland, OR
2010 PSU Advanced Painting Senior Class Winter Art Show
The Water Heater, Portland, OR
| Resume of William Wooten |
