“As an oil painter, I explore the threshold between the tangible and the ephemeral. Whether capturing the luminous vitality of blooming flowers, the geometric poetry of cityscapes, or the intimate beauty of culinary still lifes, my work emerges from a profound connection to the act of creation itself. It is in this process—the layering of pigments, the decisive and intuitive brushstrokes, the unexpected discoveries that unfold with each canvas—where I find my deepest fulfillment.

My large floral compositions seek to transcend mere representation, inviting viewers to experience the emotional resonance flowers evoke. Each petal and curved stem becomes a meditation on nature’s delicate yet resilient beauty. In my architectural city scenes, I orchestrate a dance between light and structure, creating visual narratives that speak to the dialogue between human design and the passage of time. When painting food, I transform the everyday into the extraordinary, using color, texture, and composition to celebrate moments of sensory pleasure that are by nature fleeting.

This exhibition represents a milestone in my ongoing artistic journey—one that embraces painting as a continuous conversation between self and world. I invite viewers to pause, observe, and perhaps experience something of the same joy I find in the creation of these works.“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ - James Eric Richardson

“Bridging Form & Figure” invites you to explore the dialogue between the human presence and the spaces we inhabit and create. This exhibition delves into how artists interpret the human form- its inherent structures, emotions, and narratives- or the built environments that shape our lives- from the defining presence of architectural structures to the quiet solitude of an interior.

This exhibition reveals how these two seemingly distinct elements are perpetually intertwined. You’ll witness artworks where the human figure or face takes center stage, celebrating the beauty and complexity of humanity. Alongside these, pieces focusing solely on architectural forms highlight the beauty, geometry, and implied human experience within man-made structures. Some pieces mix and mingle these two themes together, directly linking the form and the figure in one work of art.

Through diverse artistic approaches, “Bridging Form & Figure” challenges us to see how we are shaped by our surroundings, and how, in turn, our presence leaves an indelible mark on the world we build. It’s an exploration of the fundamental relationship between the organic and the architectural, and the endless ways artists bridge this fascinating divide.

Featured Artists: Gentry Amstutz, Natalie Avondet, Landon Enlow, Jared Farouki, Teresa Fry, Mark Jackson, Jesus Martinez, Valerie Rippey, Bryan Sanders, Shaza Umran

Located at Spiva Center for the Arts