George Marks is a
fine artist,
social sculptor,
designer,
and crowd favorite
on Hello Lovely.
Marks calls Southern Louisiana home,
and his work is represented by
and
Let's chat as we tour images of 30 of his works here.
2.
I adore the artist's palette with all 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.
3.
Is that not what fine art so often 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).
4.
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.
5.
But also soft and the fabric of life.
6.
étouffé par le coton, 1
From Patrice Melnick, we learn:
"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."
7.
Nineneuf9...stength and frailty of the human condition permeated this exhibition.
Marks says he learned early on that
interactions could be used as an opportunity to
"leave a positive mark or impression behind."
His work appears to harbor that longing.
8.
Whistlin' Mothers
When he returned to his hometown of Arnaudville
in 2004, he poured himself into community, identifying
local cultural assets which resulted in the development
he says "mirrors the work that I do as a social sculptor."
9.
How does an artist who typically
works on wood and canvas,
beginning with a general idea
yet leaving room for the accidental,
shift into social sculpting mode?
10.
My best guess is the shift emerges from the heart.
Marks draws mostly from his South Louisiana
heritage, his family, friends, nature, and the
man-made.
11.
He works with acrylic, oil, resin, and tar,
and the pieces take several weeks to complete
depending on inspiration and weather...
but social sculpting moves at a different pace.
12.
Whistlin' Mothers
Concerning the Arts and Cultural Collective
NUNU he developed, Marks says it comprises
a range of issues including environmental, economic,
social and cultural sustainability "through the development
and consequent leveraging of local, regional, and
international partnerships."
13.
Such partnerships birth collaborations
"to promote
democracy,
human rights,
and equality
using art and culture as a vehicle
to teach and develop
a new world diplomacy."
14.
Black Cotton
The goal of such social sculpting?
"Aid in the empowerment of youth and adults
to become advocates, creative thinkers and
problem solvers."
15.
Powerline Cube, 2
"We teach the power of cooperation through
the concept of Creative Placemaking,
not just local, but international, in order to
create a mosaic celebrating diversity
and those things that unify us."
NUNU
16.
Powerline Cube, 1
Through collaborative work,
the NUNU Collective
"has created synergy in a once dying town."
17.
So George is a painter, yes.
And a social sculptor, okay.
But maybe he's a weaver too.
Because I sense a beautiful
blue thread running through
the narrative
of his artistry and work
to empower, advocate, and
celebrate both tribe and home.
It's a thread of compassion for humanity,
for the earth, and for how we impact it.
18.
What would happen if more of us
looked for this blue thread and worked
with it to bring hope where there was none?
looked for this blue thread and worked
with it to bring hope where there was none?
19.
20.
21.
And to think this stream of consciousness flow
and musing about blue threads began with a
simple glimpse of an image in
Traditional Home magazine
and musing about blue threads began with a
simple glimpse of an image in
Traditional Home magazine
Gerrie Bremermann...here it is:
22.
Yep.
That.painting.still.blows.my.mind.
The brilliant and beautiful art has continued
to inspire me ever since...so let's keep returning
to the work and keep cheering on and honoring
the people of Louisiana as we do.
23.
Cotton
24.
Minimal Landscape
25.
26.
27.
28.
Have a favorite George Marks piece shown here?
Peace to you right where you are.
p.s.
Hey George, we haven't left little Loretta out of the mix.
29.
30.
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.
