*A photograph of John Brooks in his studio.*

"All Of A Sudden You Made Him Laugh" by John Brooks, 20x24in, oil on board (2016), $800 | BUY NOW — *"All Of A Sudden You Made Him Laugh" by John Brooks, 20x24in, oil on board (2016), $800* *| BUY NOW*

If you approach John Brooks’ with no foreknowledge of him or his work, his paintings may strike you as primitive, or an example of ‘folk art’. We might begin by acknowledging the limitations of visual art nomenclature, which often seems designed to pigeonhole an artist; semantics aside, that reading becomes fascinating when one hears Brooks speak about his work in such thoughtful and intellectual terms. In his artist’s statement he tells us: “Regardless of subject matter or media, within each work is contained its own emotionally charged atmosphere and each work seems to have both specific and nebulous meaning.”

Earlier this year, Brooks moved into a new studio space in the Portland Neighborhood, and he thought he would use the change of space to move his work in a slightly different direction. “I've been collecting overheard phrases for years and have used them in my writing but have never previously used them in my visual work. This work is a real departure for me - it's abstract but also features the concreteness of text. But what I like about the phrases is the ambiguity they take on because they have no context. Some harmless phrases, like "Mommy Has It," even take on an air of the sinister.”

"Untitled #1" by John Brooks, 30x40in, oil on board (2016), $1800 | BUY NOW — *"Untitled #1" by John Brooks, 30x40in, oil on board (2016), $1800 | BUY NOW*

Yet Brooks found himself turning back to more familiar ground. “Thinking about the sinister and multi-dimensional meaning in that series of text-based paintings led me to return to my previous subject matter - faces - but with an eye on the mood of uncertainty that's seemingly overtaken the world, at least here in the US. This is a series still very much in progress, but they are about the zeitgeist, all that's happening in 2016: the fear of terror, the fear of unknown, the fear of ‘the other’.” Brooks certainly does see the new work as undeniably political, but he also believes they have an individual identity of their own; both personal and universal.

Brooks is a Kentucky native. He studied Political Science and English literature at the College of Charleston, in South Carolina, and art at Central St. Martins and the Hampstead School of Art in London, England. His work is held in private collections in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, and India. Brooks has exhibited extensively in the United Kingdom and Europe, as well as Art Chicago. He moved back to Louisville, KY after several years in Chicago, Illinois. His last solo exhibition in Louisville, It Is So Beautiful Here, was at Swanson Contemporary in May 2015.

Hometown: Frankfort, KY
Age: 38
Education: BA in Political Science, College of Charleston; Studied art in England at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design, the Hampstead School of Art and the Camden Art Centre
Website: http://www.johnedwardbrooks.com

"Untitled #2" by John Brooks, 24x36in, oil on board (2016), CFP | BUY NOW — *"Untitled #2" by John Brooks, 24x36in, oil on board (2016), CFP | BUY NOW*

"Untitled #3" by John Brooks, 30x40in, oil on board (2016), $1800 | BUY NOW — *"Untitled #3" by John Brooks, 30x40in, oil on board (2016), $1800 | BUY NOW*

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Please contact josh@louisvillevisualart.org for further information on advertising through Artebella. — *Please contact* *josh@louisvillevisualart.org* *for further information on advertising through Artebella.*

Painting

Vignette: Jeremy Brightbill

Josh Jenkins · October 19, 2016

*A photograph of artist Jeremy Brightbill in studio.*

Jeremy Brightbill has been an abstract painter for years, although some level of representational imagery was present in previous work. Most recently, he is creating densely layered compositions of pure abstraction that almost have the feeling of textiles; the broad, coarse brush marks interwoven almost as strands of fiber might be worked on a loom. We anticipate tactile textures in textile work, and Brightbill’s painted surface is a primitive, elemental exploration of interconnectedness.

Yet, all of that may sound too serious for the artist himself, who emphasizes human experience and self-awareness when discussing his paintings. “My current work explores play and experiment, love and memory, and self-delusion,” explains Brightbill. “We tend to create narratives around our experiences that may or may not be accurate. This fascinates me, and, I believe, comes through in my work.”

"Blood Would Drip From The Honey" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in, acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW — *"Blood Would Drip From The Honey" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in,* *acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW*

Brightbill is a self-educated artist who began making artwork in Charleston, West Virginia, in the mid-nineties. In 1999, he moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he lived and worked for just over sixteen years. He briefly lived in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently based in Louisville, Kentucky.

You can find his work displayed in Bloomington, IN at Dimensions Gallery, and he currently has a solo show up at the offices of Sold Sisters Realty in Ripley, WV.

Age: 41
Hometown: Charleston, WV / Bloomington, IN
Education: I worked in museums for 19 years. I did not go to school for art.
Website: www.jeremybrightbill.squarespace.com

"Lost Shoes" by Jeremy Brightbill, 16x20in, acrylic on wood (2016), $200 | BUY NOW — *"Lost Shoes" by Jeremy Brightbill, 16x20in, acrylic on wood (2016), $200 | BUY NOW*

"The Best Path Is The One That I've Taken" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in, acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW — *"The Best Path Is The One That I've Taken" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in,* *acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW*

"Map For The Blind" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in, acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW — *"Map For The Blind" by Jeremy Brightbill, 24x24in,* *acrylic on wood (2016), $400 | BUY NOW*

"Pretty Much The Opposite" by Jeremy Brightbill, 21x28.5 in, acrylic on wood (2016), $425 | BUY NOW — *"Pretty Much The Opposite" by Jeremy Brightbill, 21x28.5 in,* *acrylic on wood (2016), $425 | BUY NOW*

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Sculpture

Vignette: Lindsay Frost

Josh Jenkins · October 17, 2016

A photograph of Frost in her studio. Photo by Sarah Katherine Davis For LVA (2016), — *A photograph of Frost in her studio. Photo by Sarah Katherine Davis For LVA (2016),*

Artists often talk about their relation ship to materials or medium. These revelations strike at the heart of why they make art at all, expressing the universality of creation through the very specific terms of their own process. Lindsay Frost works with wood, taking a material that begins as monumental and nearly unyielding and fashioning objects of great delicacy.

“My art is very personal to me,” explains Frost, “…and I want to share it with those who have never really looked at the inside of a tree the way I do. There is an amazing inner beauty hidden inside a tree. The containers I create reveal the grain and color, the different funguses, all the unique properties that are hidden from man inside a tree.”

An inside look at Lindsay Frost's studio. Photo by Sarah Katherine Davis For LVA (2016). — *An inside look at Lindsay Frost's studio. Photo by Sarah Katherine Davis For LVA (2016).*

*"#458 (Footed Tulip Poplar Bowl)" by Lindsay Frost, wood, 4x5in (2016)*

The reverence for trees as both a form and a living entity that not only shares the earth with humankind and is essential for our very existence is a deeply spiritual sentiment that belongs to history. “That is what I try to do, to release that inner spirit so the wood can again please man. Each piece tells a tale, of the struggles in growth, success in reaching the sun, imperfections from lightning and insects, drought and fire.“

You can visit Lindsay Frost in her studio on the east side of Louisville during OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND, November 5 & 6, 2016. The event benefits scholarship programs for Louisville Visual Art and University of Louisville’s Hite Art Institute and tickets may be purchased here. She will also be a part of Art for the Senses in Jeffersontown, KY on November 11.

Hometown: Manitowish Waters, WI, but now Louisville, KY
Education: BA in Art from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO.
Website: http://www.lindsayefrost.com
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/LindsayEFrost
Gallery Representation: Edenside Gallery in Louisville & Berea Artisans Center in Berea, KY.

*"Meditation Bowls" by Lindsay Forst, wood, approximately 3x1.5in, $22*

*"Acorn/Lichen Buttons" by Lidsay Frost, wood, 3/4 to 1in D. x 1/4in, $4.00each*

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Painting

Vignette: Teri Dryden

Josh Jenkins · October 14, 2016

"Echo" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW — *"Echo" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW*

A line disintegrates into a smudge, which then blends into a new color, while an opposing stroke swipes across the canvas with ferocity. Teri Dryden works from such an intuitive, emotional creative spark that her paintings can only be seen as Abstract Expressionism, but, as with many such artists, the phrase seems limiting and only useful for academic discussion. The Museum Of Modern Art describes it this way: “The varied work produced by the Abstract Expressionists resists definition as a cohesive style; instead, these artists shared an interest in using abstraction to convey strong emotional or expressive content.”

That explanation certainly would seek to capture Dryden’s own action painting, with vigorous marks and color choices that invite the viewer to read a confluence of emotions applied to the canvas with a modicum of intellectual framework. “Echo” feels sunny and optimistic, full of hope, while “Twist and Shout” explores anxious energy in restricted release.

"Dive In" by Teri Dryden, 36x48in, acrylic on canvas, $2500 | BUY NOW — *"Dive In" by Teri Dryden, 36x48in, acrylic on canvas, $2500 | BUY NOW*

"Arden" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW — *"Arden" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW*

“My artwork is process oriented. I begin each picture with a line. I have no specific outcome in mind. I respond to the changes in the painting as I explore and interact with materials by layering paint and paper, scratching, sanding and marking, creating open spaces, altering and adjusting. I move between intuition and logic, chaos and order. Being aware and open, taking risks with the materials, as well as the struggle itself allows me to have a more meaningful painting experience and often leads to a greater self-awareness. My goal is to create work that is authentic and genuine.”

Dryden is currently part of a group show called "Mix it Up", New Work by Gallery Artists at New Editions Gallery in Lexington, now through October 2016.

Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Age: 58
Education: Towson University
Website: http://www.teridryden.com
Gallery Representative: View Gallery (Jackson, MS); New Editions, (Lexington, KY); B. Deemer (Louisville, KY)

"Sunday Afternoon Promenade" by Teri Dryden, 24x30in, acrylic on canvas, $1400 | BUY NOW — *"Sunday Afternoon Promenade" by Teri Dryden, 24x30in, acrylic on canvas, $1400 | BUY NOW*

"Twist And Shout" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW — *"Twist And Shout" by Teri Dryden, 40x40in, acrylic on canvas, $2400 | BUY NOW*

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Digital, Illustration

Q&A: Illustrator Scott Soeder

Josh Jenkins · October 13, 2016

*Photograph of artist Scott Soeder at work.*

"Art means me. It is my personal visual language for communicating my ideas and getting lost in my thoughts." — Scott Soeder

Various vehicle illustrations by Scott Soeder.

Scott Soeder is an award-winning professional illustrator and designer specializing in illustrations for children's books, magazines, apps and games. Select clients include Highlights for Children, Timehop, Lightchange Studios, Reelio Inc, 311, Lake Street Dive, Sharks 4 Kids and more. A graduate of the University of Louisville, he is based in based in Louisville, KY.

When did you first think you would be an artist?

I can’t say there was any defining moment. I have been drawing as long as I can remember, as if I’m simply naturally attracted to do so. Maybe we all are and for whatever reason some of us move away from it. I played football on a team when I was a kid, but by the time I got to high school I had very little interest in playing. Maybe art is like that for others. Also I was a scrawny kid, even in high school, and I knew I would end up a small pile of broken bones had I attempted to play. I was very fortunate to have parents who kept me stocked in art supplies and who encouraged me. I absolutely adored looking at and reading “Peanuts” in the newspaper and watching Bugs Bunny cartoons. Animation and comics were my experience with art. When I was around 7 or 8 or some age expressed in a single digit, my grandfather made me an easel. I would sit for hours drawing at that easel. I remember feeling like a real artist working at that easel. At an early age I was equipped with art supplies, had a paying customer and friends referred to me as a “good drawer” So artist was added to my list of “what I want to be when I grow up” directly under Astronaut and Spiderman.

Is all your work for clients?

Being a full-time artist means that a big chunk of what I create is for clients. However, I do spend time working on pieces for fun, to experiment, or for personal projects. I have been working on illustrating a series of vehicles from pop culture titled Pop Wheels for fun and to give my self a challenge. I have done about 16 and have a long list of others I’d like to do. Also, I work on writing and illustrating my own stories for children’s picture books.

What frightens you the most?

That’s a great question and probably depends on the moment I’m asked. An overarching, big-picture-thought that comes to mind is - being forgotten. That my little blip of time on the planet being Scott Soeder was wasted and that I didn’t use everything I’d been given to the fullest. I want to be able to leave something behind that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could say: “my dad did that”. Besides my children themselves of course, they are my best creations. But in terms of art, Charles Schulz lives in Charlie Brown and will continue to for generations, possibly inspiring other kids to pick up a pencil and draw. That’s an amazing accomplishment.

What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?

Something upbeat and rocking. The list of specific artists would be long! I love music and enjoy listening to it while working. I’d say most of the time it would be music from 311 or pop metal bands from the 80s.

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been reading Chuck Jones’ autobiography, “Chuck Amuck”. I love looking at his drawings in the book and it is really funny. I would have loved to meet him. I bet he was hilarious.

What advice would you give a young artist just out of college?

Learn about business and develop your business acumen. Educate yourself on all the opportunities available for artists. Put in the work.

Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?

I feel like every moment is one of transition. It is persistent evolution. Always striving to express the emotion or develop the image I see in my head. There are moments or milestone pieces if you will. The ones where something clicked or a visual problem was solved or it made someone laugh, etc. Some of my favorite moments are getting an email or message from someone who really enjoyed a piece and took the time to say so.

What does art mean to you?

Art feels like a part of me. It has been tied up in my identity for as long as I remember. Art has been the means of showing others ideas in my mind, of depicting humor and simply passing time. When I was a kid my sister had dance lessons and I would bring a sketchbook and art supplies with me to stay occupied. I don’t know what I would have done without it. A great benefit of art is that I am never bored! Art means me. It is my personal visual language for communicating my ideas and getting lost in my thoughts.

If you could have a talent that you currently don't already have what would it be and why?

I would like to be able to sing. Being able to sing like Steve Perry from Journey would be nice. I play drums and can hold my own on a few other instruments like guitar and bass, but I lack a singing voice. A rusty muffler being drug down a gravel road would sound more pleasant. I have a personal project where I am playing and recording all the instruments myself and having a decent singing voice would be advantageous.

If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and what would you ask them?

If it could be anyone even if they were deceased it would be Charles Schulz. If it were a contemporary it would be John Lasseter. I would ask Charles Schulz about his work ethic and productivity tips. He drew every single Peanuts strip himself for 50 years. He’d have to have some awesome tips! I would ask John Lasseter about storytelling and creating great characters. Pixar has had an amazing track record of doing both.

Name: Scott Soeder
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Age: 43
Education: BFA in Communication Art & Design, Magna Cum Laude, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Website: http://www.scottsoeder.com

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Vignette: John Brooks

Vignette: Jeremy Brightbill

Vignette: Lindsay Frost

Vignette: Teri Dryden

Q&A: Illustrator Scott Soeder

"Art means me. It is my personal visual language for communicating my ideas and getting lost in my thoughts." — Scott Soeder

When did you first think you would be an artist?

Is all your work for clients?

What frightens you the most?

What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?

What are you reading right now?

What advice would you give a young artist just out of college?

Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?

What does art mean to you?

If you could have a talent that you currently don't already have what would it be and why?

If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and what would you ask them?