The first words that come to mind when describing the SEAD Gallery’s upcoming exhibit are color and connection. The exhibit, featuring works by artists Charles Wallis, Lauren Dickinson and Ron Clark, captures beautiful scenes of landscapes, portraits, and abstract art all bursting with vibrant color and texture. The works of these three artists will be on display in a new exhibit entitled “Landscapes of the Soul” at the SEAD Gallery and Bookshop in Downtown Bryan, located inside the Historic Federal Building.
Each artist wishes for viewers to have a connection with the pieces, and to use their individuality to craft their own interpretations. Charles Wallis is a graduate from Baylor University. After graduating from his college’s fine arts program, he opened a graphic design studio and began his career as an artist. He believes that his art is an expression of his own spirit and the spirit of those he connects with. He states, “I seek to create a memory, a wish, a fantasy or moment of joy or peace in the soul of the viewer.” He loves the abstract, and picks color combinations and images that attract and make an impression on him. However, he also has pieces that he makes just for fun, which present something unusual and thought provoking. Overall, Wallis believes that the essence of art is to have pleasure in giving pleasure to others.
Lauren Dickinson is a Dallas based artist who graduated from the Fairhaven College Art Program at Western Washington University in Bellingham, but her creativity did not begin to flourish until later. She notes, “Although I tried to pick up the brush again over the years, my wellspring of creativity remained elusive until the beautifully expressive world of abstract art opened itself to me in the summer of 2016.” Since then, Dickinson’s work has been featured in multiple art shows around Dallas, including national and international shows. Dickinson’s love for the abstract comes from the fact that it is a reflection of every triumph and struggle of its creator. Dickinson’s art is a tap into her creativity and inspiration, which flows through her spirit onto canvas, creating beautiful and personal pieces.
Ron Clark studied journalism and architecture at the University of Oklahoma before turning to graphic design. After moving to New York and working as in design studios, he returned to Texas, where his skill as a visual artist began to flourish. Since then, his work has been featured in multiple gallery exhibits. Clark believes that art should not exist exclusively in the mind of the artist, but in the mind of the viewer as well, and this connection to the viewer is the most important part of his art. He states, “To me, this is precisely the condition and degree of viewer connection where the true power of abstraction in fine art resides and where it most profoundly reveals itself.” Clark encourages everyone use their individual experiences to craft their own interpretations of his pieces.
The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on April 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the showcasing will last through May 15. During the reception, wine and hors-d’oeuvres will be provided, as well as an opportunity to meet and converse with the artists themselves.
If you would like to learn more about the respective artists, you can see their biographies and galleries on their websites:
Charles Wallis: https://www.charleswallis.com/shop-art
Lauren Dickinson: https://soulscapeart.com
Ron Clark: http://ronclarkstudio.com
