Jack King

Professor 

 

University of Tampa 

It has always been my contention that the most successful works of art are those, which create an inseparable marriage between the medium, the processes and the idea. When this balance is achieved the work seems to exist in a dimension where questions of meaning, material, and technique seem superfluous, a dimension independent of time and space. The difficulty for the artist is finding that subtle but profound balance.

In my work the effort to obtain this equilibrium is achieved by forming a generalized concept then allowing the medium, as well as every other component of the creative process, to have a maximum impact upon the development of the image. This paradigm requires continual exploration and experimentation as essential elements. To a certain extent my role as the artist is akin to that of a musical conductor, responding to each element in an attempt to wed them into an harmonious composition.

My recent work has sought to explore the relationship of passing (both physically and spiritually) from one existence into another. This interest has been spurred by the recent quest of the Balseros (the Cuban rafters who have been seeking sanctuary in the United States). Although I am interested in their particular plight, I began to see them more as representatives of a continuing aspect of our collective human mythology which requires and rewards a physical journey (often over a body of water) in order to obtain a new level of consciousness and/or physical existence. In many respects I see this quest as analogous to the making of art; for one begins with trepidation but possesses a hope that the end will justify the journey. The original objectives and intentions are soon tempered by the various obstacles and difficulties encountered along the way; upon completion, an entirely new reality emerges.

Aesthetically, attempting to achieve a visual balance between the dominance of imposed order and the chaos of complete freedom fascinates me. I am not concerned in finding any ultimate resolution, but dig deeper into the moment of exchange when one force becomes the other. I am reminded of the statement by the 16^th century. French essayist Michel Eyquem de Montaigne;

 

 

Richard D. Colvin 


Curator of Art & History 

Maitland Art Center 

Richard Colvin is an artist and longtime museum professional who brings an alternative viewpoint to his works.  Rather than concentrate solely on one style or manner of expression, he prefers to work in series that he feels combine new subjects with appropriate mannerisms.  Originally a classically-trained painter and printmaker, Colvin traipses back-and-forth between the traditional, the modern, and the postmodern.  He is equally at home with a brush, an etching needle, or a personal computer.

 

Holly Tharp

Course Director & Fine Arts Department Chair

Full Sail University

Holly Tharp earned a BS in Art Education from Florida State University focusing on sculpture and photography. She remained in Florida working for multi-media interactive groups like The Orlando Science Center and Florida State Educational system.  She began painting using a range of mediums while showing and selling her artwork in various venues across the south and northeast. 

She ended her career with the public system in 2001 to focus on painting and found that Full Sail offered exactly what she needed to continue to educate others and have time to grow personally as a fine artist.  She has worked as a Studio Artist, Associate Course Director, Course Director and ultimately the Fine Arts Department Chair for the 3D Arts program.  She is currently working on a Masters Degree at University of Florida