TSG Arts Director Unveiling Latest Art Exhibit…
August 5th, 2008For those who may not be aware, our resident artist and arts director, Jonathon Kimbrell, unveils his latest project, “Saved By Rock & Roll” at one of our favorite Dallas art galleries, The Cameron Gallery, on Saturday, August 9th from 6-9pm. Kimbrell, a Texas native, pays homage to several rock & rolls stars that have inspired him over the years, not only artistically, but personally, as well. Here is what Jonathon had to say about his show:
“If there is anything that life has taught me so far it’s that expectations will often disappoint, much like people and weather. The notion hasn’t sunk in yet completely, but I’m finding that one can get through life without much drama if expectations weren’t put in place. Realistically, however, the human condition is conditioned to expect certain things out of life. That’s too bad…
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I believe I’ve had more than my fair share of disappointments over the years, and the one place I can turn to that will never let me down is music, especially music from the likes of Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Tom Petty, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and of course, The Beatles. There has always been something mystic about the drawing power of music that takes the edge off of stress, anxiety, sadness and all around problems life throws at you. Many of these sonic artists also have shaped me, not only as an artist, but as a person, as well. Bob Dylan once said that you could learn how to live life just by listening to a Woody Guthrie record. The truth can be told about Dylan himself. I don’t look as these creative and cultural giants as just icons from a decadent century. These people mean more to me than most people’s families do to them. It’s by the grace of God and these wonderful, talented artists that we can draw life from the well, and somehow hope to pass on their messages and ideas, fused with our own to the people who need them most.
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It was a near impossibility to sit down and try to pick out every single artist who has had a hand in my cultural self-awareness. I essentially had to pick a handful and hope to do these greats visual justice. By no means are these final painted examples the end all and be all of those who have influenced me. Others, like Eric Clapton, Hank Williams, Ryan Adams, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Ronnie Lane, just to name a few, have laid their spiritual hands on me, as well. If I had all the time in the world to paint these musicians, and put on a larger show, I’d still not be able to cover all my bases.
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The overall look for the work in this series was also inspired by the worn and damaged look of old billboards, tattered heirlooms and paper that looked like it had been run through a printing press a few times. As time carries on, and I get older, I’m embracing and enjoying the look of time; things never stay clean and shinny forever. And if they do, they haven’t lived or been put through hell. As anyone could tell you, these few musicians have probably seen and done it all. Maybe the look and feel of their portraits will give you a sense of that, and give them a more attractive quality that is unmatched by the absence of time.”
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~Jonathon Kimbrell, July 2008
We congratulate Jonathon on all his success, and hopes he makes a ‘killing’ on this show. If you have a chance to stop by and see it, please do so. The Cameron Gallery is located at 1414 Dragon St, Dallas, TX.
