Rick Graff
Portland, ME
I am an abstract artist. My medium is acrylic paints and mixed media applied to canvas. My work is inspired by worldly events, both positive and other.
MessageMy name is Rick Graff. I am an abstract artist. My medium is acrylic and mixed media on canvas.
I was born in South Africa in 1960, attended architectural school in Johannesburg and immediately upon graduating, moved to the USA - over 35 years ago. Having lived in New York and then San Diego, my wife and I moved to Arizona in 2018. In August 2022 we gave up the desert for treasured Portland, Maine. We are finally home. I have two adult children.
I began my painting journey while living in Arizona during and due to the COVID -19 pandemic. That was when my life plans changed - I pivoted. After a couple years of painting I plucked up the confidence to show my work in Scottsdale, AZ, and plan to continue that tradition. Since moving to Portland, ME, I have been fortunate enough to commit to local exhibitions beginning early 2023.
Statement
The canvas is my journal. Painting is my companion. Painting is my connection to myself.
The intent of my paintings is to indulge in a freedom of expression. I am driven by the element of surprise with no expectations thus allowing me to be non-judgmental throughout the process.
I am often intimidated by unchartered blank canvases. I liken the anticipation of the first mark to that of jumping into an ice bath – extreme hesitation – once in, however, I need to keep moving to stay warm. Music is my fuel.
I strive for movement and energy in my work, a little bit of chaos, some calm, and focus. A parallel to my life. The figurative, the litteral, the joy and the pain, the mundane and the tragic, all deeply influence my subconscious. My paintings are a reflection of my inner sphere. My preference of style, namely abstract, is my way of enabling our imaginations to run wild. My hope is that each piece speaks to each viewer as an individual declaration. If my work can elicit provoking thoughts - I am at peace.
Copyright © 2019 to present, Rick Graff Paints. All artwork is a one-of-a-kind original piece, derived from Rick Graff's observation, imagination, sketch or photograph. All copyrights and reproduction rights are retained by Rick Graff. Artwork may not be reproduced by any process or medium without the express written permission of Rick Graff