Saturday, December 01, 2007

New Exhibit: R. Bingham Morris, Contemporary Acrylic Paintings

Delavan Art Gallery is pleased to present the exhibit, "R. Bingham Morris, Contemporary Acrylic Paintings." The exhibit opens on Thursday, December 6 from 5-8 p.m. and continues through Saturday, December 22, 2007. It runs in conjunction with the exhibit "Wrapping Up the Season" featuring mixed media works from the series "Archeological Memoir" by Amy E. Bartell and "Conversations with Nature" by Tara Hogan as well as works by the Syracuse Ceramic Guild.

The art of R. Bingham Morris is in numerous corporate collections, including those of Time Warner, Unity Mutual Life Insurance, Haylor, Freyer and Coon, BBL and the SRC - Tech. Division. His work is best described by the man himself in his artist statement. He writes, "These paintings are about paint. They are not meant to represent scenes… no giant hibiscus, Christinas, Tahitian women, or sunflowers. They come from a different part of the mind; perhaps the subconscious. People will call these abstract expressionism, a term I find misleading. Abstract implies an abstraction of something; an object in space. These paintings are not about recognizable objects, although the abstract expressionists of the 1940’s and 50’s have allowed me to get to this place. I think my paintings are more attuned to classical music, and have no more reason to be explained than a successful symphony, provided they work. In each there is a theme, a center of interest and surrounding supporting areas. The colors employed must also convey the mood or theme of each piece. The paintings that work the best are those not labored over; they are the most fun to create. The paint (many layers) seems to just flow off the bush or the knife or my hands. I like to mix on the surface with my hands. Things happen that way that won’t happen any other way. Somehow my imagination takes over and some other part of my mind is at work.

For over 35 years I have been painting seriously, in some ways influenced by Sam Francis and Ken Price, who preceded me at the Otis Art Institute of Los Angeles County. I know---those of you who are familiar with Price’s work will say, “but he’s a ceramist”. But look at the surfaces of his wall pieces---the subtle colors, the playfulness! I hope I have attained some of those qualities in my work."

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 6 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Dates: December 6 though December 22, 2007
Location: Delavan Art Gallery, 501 W. Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
Extended Holiday Hours: Tuesdays through Fridays 12-6 p.m., Saturdays 10-4 p.m. and also by appointment
Also open for a Winter Solstice Party on Th3, The Third Thursday, December 20, 2007, 5-8 p.m.

R. Bingham Morris, "Center of Interest", 30" diameter, acrylic

R. Bingham Morris, "On the Verge", 30" x 28", acrylic

R. Bingham Morris, "Playing Fields", 48" x 48", acrylic

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

great work!"it seems abstract expresionism, is a rare thing ,latly!. amazing devotion, and no compromise, mr morris worked steadly for many years!. somthing very admirable!. integrity!!, and truly, in touch with that sub conciouss, flow! that place!. he speaks very clearly, and very acuratly, describes his creativity,, not alot of distortion,, very direct! just like the process, he was indeed a true !, conduit!, a meduim, ?,, very intuned!. and tuned to his flowing information... and he was greatly, generous, sharing his technique,s, and letting people see , how he worked!..i will indeed, always reflect on his work!!.. his work will be missed, i hope to be able to see it around town!?.. that would be great!... peace!