Artist Inspiration: Abstract Art by George Marks

January 28, 2010

Oil painting by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting by Louisiana artist George Marks

George Marks is a fine artist,
a social sculptor, a designer
from southern Louisiana,
and a favorite of Hello Lovely.

His work is represented by
Ann Connelly Fine Art
Claire Elizabeth Gallery
Judy Ferrara Gallery
and
Bremermann Designs.

Oil painting by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting by Louisiana artist George Marks

I adore the artist's palette...the aqua
color washes and transparency—
so tranquil, quiet and serene,
in their buoyant humility,
so mysteriously adept

at permeating a
whispery
layer of my soul.

Abstract art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Abstract art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

Is that not what fine art beautifully accomplishes?

The veil is lifted, and for a moment we are in
union with the cosmos
(and if we're lucky, connected to kosmos...
the whole of all existence in all realms).

Abstract art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Morning Sky (this blogger would happily float lost in such a sky)


His work as a visual artist responds to
the people, places, and things in his world
which can surely be rustic and edgy.


Abstract art painted on boxes by Louisiana artist George Marks
Abstract art painted on boxes by Louisiana artist George Marks

But also soft and the fabric of life.


Oil painting of cotton with blue and white by Louisiana artist George Marks
etouffe par le cotton, 1
Patrice Melnick eloquently summarizes the artist and his vision:

"George Marks has vision, a key element for an artist. However, Marks’ vision reaches beyond the canvas as he strives to unify people in Arnaudville and nearby communities to create an environment that values the arts, the creative spirit and quality of life. 

From George Marks, many have learned about the power of collaboration and high aspirations. Following George Marks’ lead, business owners and community organizers have all learned to promote not only ourselves, but all of the businesses and events of the area. One to one, Marks listens, encourages and is quick to assist others with their projects. Many of us now make more effort to aim high for ourselves and the community.

George Marks serves as a catalyst that sparks imagination and action; creativity and partnership. Marks could have used his vision and energy to further profit in his own career but instead he has chosen to remain in his hometown of Arnaudville where he can highlight the beauty of Louisiana culture and integrate art into the landscape. Many of us now have higher aspirations as we strive for our goals together. Life in Central Louisiana will never be the same, and for that we thank George Marks."

Oil painting Nineneuf9 by Louisiana artist George Marks
Nineneuf9...strength and frailty of the human condition permeated this exhibition.


Whistlin' Mothers oil painting by Louisiana artist George Marks
Whistlin' Mothers

Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks


Oil painting with aqua blue and sea tones mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks


Oil painting mixed media art work with aqua blue and green by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

He works with acrylic, oil, resin, and tar,
and the pieces take several weeks to complete,
depending on inspiration and weather


Oil painting mixed media art work Whistlin' Mothers by Louisiana artist George Marks
Whistlin' Mothers


Oil painting mixed media art work with blue and cotton by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

Oil painting mixed media art work Black Cotton by Louisiana artist George Marks
Black Cotton
Powerline Cube 2 Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Powerline Cube, 2


Powerline Cube 1 Oil painting mixed media art work with blue sky by Louisiana artist George Marks
Powerline Cube, 1

Aqua blue sky sea Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks


Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks


Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

The stream of consciousness and musing
here began with a glimpse of a single
photograph in Traditional Home magazine
with a painting by George Marks placed
in a Swedish inspired bedroom designed by
Gerrie Bremermann...here it is:


Abstract painting by Louisiana artist George Marks in Swedish bedroom by Gerrie Bremermann for Traditional Home
An abstract painting by George Marks in bedroom designed by Gerrie Bremermann

Yep.


It.still.blows.my.mind.

The brilliant and beautiful work has continued
to inspire me ever since...so let's keep returning
to it and keep cheering on and honoring
the people of Louisiana as we do.


Cotton Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Cotton

Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Minimal Landscape by George Marks

Cotton Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Cotton painting by George Marks

Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks


Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

Peace to you right where you are.



p.s.
I haven't forgotten about little Loretta, George.

Oil paintings mixed media art work with Loretta by Louisiana artist George Marks
Oil painting mixed media art work by Louisiana artist George Marks

This post was updated November 2016.

To learn more about the art
and where to see it, visit his studio.

Further bio and background via 
George Marks is a exhibiting career artist and lives and works in the small bi-parish rural community of Arnaudville, La., home to the NUNU Arts & Culture Collective concept (Arnaudville Experiment), one of 14 communities/projects included in the NEA funded Mayor’s Institute on City Design’s (MICD) most recent publication, Creative Placemaking and recently presented at a rural round table discussion cosponsored by the Arts + Community Change Initiative, Arts & Democracy Project, Center for Rural Strategies and InCommons, hosted by the Bush Foundation. He has been appointed by the Lt. Governor to the Louisiana State Arts Council and serves on additional boards including St. Landry Parish Tourism and Louisiana Citizens for the Arts. Mr. Marks originated the NUNU concept and is actively involved in the evolution of the project. In addition, he is also actively involved with the development of the anticipated St. Luke French Immersion/Cultural Center. He is the recipient of the 2007 St. Landry Economic Authority Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the 2007 Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year and the 2008 Louisiana Division of the Arts Leadership in the Arts Governor’s Award.

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6 comments

  1. This is so cool to see. I am a good friend of George's and he is such an amazing artist. But more than that he is quite an amazing person. A few years ago he began a non-profit organization called "Frederick l'Ecole des Arts" in Arnaudville, Louisiana to address the creative needs (music, visual, literary) in the rural communities surrounding his hometown. I am currently the president of the "Frederick School" and you can find more information at www.frederick-arts.org

    That cute little dog in the second painting is George's dog Loretta and she is the cutest little dog with the biggest attitude that you will ever find. She is definitely a diva!

    Jill Hackney

    ReplyDelete
  2. Merci, Jill, for sharing how George and the school have created opportunities for artists and students! Your community is a special one I'd love to visit someday. Thanks too for the tidbit about that cutie, Loretta!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello,
    this is waaaay cool. Thanks so much for liking what I do! And Jill is correct.. we are doing our part in helping to leverage the role of the artist. You are essentially providing a similar service with your blog. Thank you for doing it and thanks again for liking my work.
    peace george marks
    georgemarkstudio.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Not only is George's art astounding, so is he as a human being. His contributions to art and, through it, to the community are boundless.

    Marsha J. Miller

    ReplyDelete
  5. The pleasure is MINE, George! I'm such a fan so thanks for your beautiful, inspiring, soulful pieces and the many ways through art you help others. I do hope to glimpse your work in person when I visit your city (maybe next month!).

    Michele

    ReplyDelete
  6. I met George Marks right before Hurricane Katrina. Following the devastation, George put out the word that Arnaudville would house artists and any who needed a helping hand. He worked to find lodging, food and his efforts and the Arnaudville community were successful in bringing comfort to many. I came to realize what a beautiful soul he is. He constantly works to help others. It is worth coming to Arnaudville, Louisiana, to spend time with George Marks and his mom, Rita (and Loretta, of course). You will return.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.

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