 "There
is no accident in you being here…You’re here because of the
art." John Durham, proprietor of ‘’Wild Goose Studio,’’
located near Dennard, Arkansas, is an inspired artist and divine
showman. But, he modestly says of himself, "I am only a messenger,
here to give and share a wonderful message through the art that God gave
me.’’
Above: John stands outside the residential portion of
Wild Goose Studio, beside one of many recycled art displays.
 John’s
canvas is the world and his palate is the cacophony of discards ---
lovingly called recyclables -- that litter it.
But according to John, his work and the
works of the other artists on exhibit at the Wild Goose Studio gallery,
are not just about making beauty from trash -- at least not just in the
literal sense.
The work of the art, as John portrays it, is about getting people to
exercise their minds:
"What do I see…???’’
"What is the meaning here…???"
"What is the artist saying to me…???"
And John’s all time favorite: "Why…?"
Picasso, reportedly, was once asked to teach a class on painting
but declined
with the sentiment "I cannot teach them to paint because I cannot
teach them to see."
John has no problem with seeing. He sees art everywhere.
Above: John holds one of his favorite works which
is, in the ambient artistic sense, a kind of self-portrayal.
Yet art, as with beauty, is defined by
the eye of the beholder. Art autonomously generates some kind of
non-intellectual reflux. Provocateur of gut reactions, art regales human
senses with surging sensations.
Above: A Disneyesque angel heralds welcome to the
Wild Goose Studio exhibit gallery.
And like beauty, art is often beautiful.
It may allure us with pleasure and delight, enchant and amuse us with
charm, invigorate our spiritual appetite, and satiate the yearnings of
our soul. But, unlike beauty, art is not always so hospitable.
Art titillates, tantalizes and teases vivid images to mind. Art
ravishes and raptures with the intoxicating thrill of ecstasy. Art
excites, tickles, and refreshes. But above all, art is evocative. An
optical illusion that elicits bittersweet feelings which cause you to
think.
Learn more about John Durham and his work by phoning 501-745-6494, or
visiting Wild Goose Studio, US Hwy 65, just south of Dennard, Arkansas.
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