Page 22 - The Noise September 2016

NEW PRESCOTT ARTIST INNOVATES ARTISTIC APPROACH
corbin ross, a man of all trades experienced in photography, digital design, woodwork, stone- work, and painting will debut his innovative com- position in his first exhibit“The Art of Corbin Ross: Bringing Together the Elements of Earth and the Heavens” at ’Tis Art center & Gallery.
Influenced by the fast-paced art society of Los Angeles, Mr. Ross engaged with filmmakers, craftsmen and artists for 15 years. Through inter- acting with others and learning how to develop connections, he strengthened his philosophical perspectives leveraged in his artistic personality.
“Just the human condition in LA pushed me to where I’m at with what I’m doing. Nowadays that could happen anywhere but I just happened to be in a city that was evolving extremely fast at a certain time period in human history,”Mr. Ross ex- plains, “I don’t think you could recreate what was going on as far as the digital and physical.”
At the peak of inspiration, Mr. Ross moved to Prescott two years ago to further his art in a town alongside family. Starting with his technological expertise, he picks up a digital brush and begins
painting the pixel canvas in individual strokes — a feat years in the making, beginning with his first MacBook in 2005 to building his own computer in 2007.
“It’s all about the brushstroke,” Mr. Ross deeply recites a piece of advice he received years ago; one that changed his artistic progression.
Following his cryptic work on the tablet, he then prints the digital painting on pre- mier quality archival paper and touches it with liquid paint. Handmade wood frames are then supplemented into the piece, harmonizing with the colors from two very different palettes.
“I love the texture it gets. With texture and my framing style, as you walk around it, and it’s lit just right, it changes. I get a three-dimensional look out of the combina- tion of stuff I use,” Mr. Ross describes, “From what I have seen, I am the first to do this combination; which is really hard to do in the art industry these days. That is what I wanted more than anything.”
The artist’s all-in mentality has enabled him to vanquish the challenges and master the capabilities. His belief as an artist lies in the lack of manufacturing and the abun- dance of passionate genius. There is no middle ground between creating something original or working at something half-hearted.
“As an artist, I create because I like it. I tried to bring an element of old-world crafts- manship to the modern feel,” Mr. Ross says.
Over the course of two years he has created over 30 authentic, multidimensional mixed media pieces. As a first-time exhibiting artist, he feels confident in sharing his work and hopes to continue growing, expanding and evolving. Future aspirations of a home studio and gallery echo in the path ahead, but his aptitude for innovation will reign priority.
“I’ve chosen to take all my experiences and do something I feel brings a little beauty to the world. The fact is I enjoy it, and if I can touch other people with it, that’s really all that matters,” Mr. Ross concludes.
Nearly a dozen of the artist’s works will be on display in the Mezzanine Gallery from September 15 to October 14 with an artist reception September 23 from 5-8PM. ’Tis Art center & Gallery is located at 105 South Cortez Street, Prescott and operates Monday through Saturday (closed Wednesdays) 10AM-5PM and Sundays 12-5PM. For more information on the gallery visit TisArtGallery.com. If you would like to see more of Mr. Ross’ work or to get in touch with him visit CorbinRoss.com
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TRAVELING ART PROMOTES HOPE & SUCCESS
A collection of artwork with the power to instill in- dependence, imag- ination and identity “The Road Ahead” will make a Flag- staff appearance at coconino center for the Arts, fea- turing local artists from the Hozhoni Foundation.
“The Road Ahead” incorporates the talents and creative interests of 16 artists from four art centers across the nation: Project onward studio & Gallery (Chicago, Il- linois), sophie’s Gallery (El Cajon, California), suzie cappa Art center (Rapid City, South Dakota), andSFUlaSgAstnaffe’slolwiOnTHozhoni Artist studio & Gallery. The exhibition celebrates a variety of styles, including emotional abstract paintings and representa- tional images created by driven artists with physical and emotional disabilities.
Edward Haswood, Hozhoni artist and basketball player, expresses “art is an outlet of joy.” When people look upon his work, he is thrilled and eager to discuss what he created with them. Similarly, Hozhoni artist Miranda Delgai says that art brings her satisfaction. She is looking forward to showing her paintings of sheep with the crowds who come through.
Hoping to bring awareness to the abilities and interests of these artists, “The Road Ahead” offers a collection of their individual stories told on variety of canvas.
“This is a big deal for me because I have art friends around town to support me. I like creating art because I am good at it and it’s healing. Art helped me deal with the loss of my friend and helps me overcome obstacles,” explains robert Zappanti, another Hozhoni artist.
Although many narratives are involved, this exhibit intends to send one central message: human beings with disabilities are intrinsic, unique, capable and deter- mined with a purpose and contribution in their communities.
sharin Jonas, fellow Hozhoni artist says, “I am a self taught artist and all of my piec- es have a story behind them. I am excited my art can travel and be shown to everyone. I like to show the world my abilities. I like to make art because I like to express myself and it’s fun and relaxing. Art has made me more calm and helped me to express my feelings in a better way.”
“The Road Ahead” will be on display until October 29 at coconino center for the Arts, 2300 North Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff; Tuesday through Saturday 11AM-5PM. For more information on the show, visit FlagArtsCouncil.org. And to learn more about the efforts of the Hozhoni Foundation, visit HozhoniArtists.org or tour the gal- lery at 2133 North Walgreen Street, Flagstaff.
DRESS AS AN ARTIST FOR A EVENING
Raid your closet september 10 for your best costume and score an original work of art from local artists at the Inaugural 12x12 Art swoop FUndraiser & creative spirit costume Party at Prescott’s ’Tis Art center & Gallery, where attendees are encouraged to dress from head to toe as any representation of art they see fit — crit- ics, masterpieces, or artists themselves. The program benefits STEPS Art Education Program, offered free of charge to children 5-18, and begins at 3PM. To preview some of the showcased work, visit TisArtGallery.com.
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