|
|
|
|
|
|
Artist Exhibitions:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Artist Galleries:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Artist Reviews:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Collections:
Coming Soon!
|
|
Commissions:
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
Artist Statement for Don Norris
|
|
|
Statement by Christopher Gulick, Agent for Art Contractor, representing Don Norris:
Art Brut; (adj. French; l’art brut) term coined in 1945 by French painter Jean Dubuffet, also known as “Outsider Art”, “Visionary Art”, Art of Trauma” and “Art of the Insane”.
Art Brut has gained immense popularity in galleries and museums throughout Europe especially in France and Germany. Dubuffet stated that the works of such people represent a most extreme form of individualism, in that these artists create for themselves rather than for the public.
I discovered Norris by chance in the spring of 2000, on unrelated business. Glancing his rather modest apartment, I noticed the typical bachelor décor--overflowing ashtrays and cat hair on...everything. Pocket cash wadded up next to the wadded up McDonalds wrappers on the coffee table and a sleeping bag on the couch. You know...typical. Stark organization caught my periphery, clearly demarcated from the domestic chaos. At first I notice about a dozen neatly stack paintings and a few sketch books quarantined from the cigarette ash and cat hair.
I felt partly stunned upon realizing there weren’t merely a dozen paintings, but several hundred!
I attempted to strike up a conversation. Norris appeared lackadaisical, lethargic and perhaps even shy. I bluntly asked if I might look through some of the paintings. Inspecting the works I discovered a rare form of art brut--somewhat naïve traces of “self-taught”subsumed within a complex of sophisticated “abstract expressionism” wholly unique to the region.
The thought detonates, ”Good Lord this is an actual FIND!”
I inquired whether Norris exhibited or sold work. He mumbled something about a couple of relatives liking his stuff. I explained my relation the art community and that, if he was interested, I could produce a show of his work.
That was the first moment Norris offered direct eye contact. His eyes were very clear, intelligent; set over a dull, low, monotone voice, responding,”Would I have to be there?”
I realized I was dealing with a man of clear volition. My response, “No problem, I’ll take care of the whole thing.”
I dropped by later a couple times to confirm his interest. I pried into his personal life to contact members of his family to verify he was capable of speaking on his own behalf regarding business proceedings.
One acknowledged Norris was perfectly capable, snickering, “Why? Do you really think his stuff would sell?”
His debut show selling-out answered.
In recent years communicating with Norris, with some difficulty as he’s an extreme recluse, I’ve gained knowledge regarding his focal point and inspiration. It lies in how he sees THINGS; you, me, the TV, the neighbors’ houses, the walk to the convenience store. He truly views color and shape in the manner Kandinsky explained to Monet his manner of “seeing”.
Norris’work often shows his experience and interest in architectural design earlier in life.
The viewer will notice in the works a visual interpretation, on Norris’ part, of the mental, emotional and spiritual interaction of himself and his surroundings.
Norris’ work is rare. It is purposeful. His art stands on its own as original thought in the genre of abstract expressionism.
I always judge art by two criteria: 1-Quality of craftsmanship 2-Quality of intent. Norris evidences both.
Christopher Gulick. ART CONTRACTOR, representing NORRIS.
|
|
contact artist
