Artist Statement
Artist Statement
Location and the surrounding environment have always played a pivotal role in shaping my creative process. My spouse and I are fortunate to reside in a century-old farmhouse in the Calhoun County, Michigan. Enveloped by the tranquil embrace of wooded glens and expansive fields, our property becomes a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic endeavors.
However, the juxtaposition of our idyllic homestead against the backdrop of a nearby highway introduces an intriguing dynamic. This interplay between serenity and urbanity forms a central theme that reverberates throughout my artistic expression. The tension between attraction and repulsion, much like the contrasting elements of our location, finds its manifestation in my artwork.
Within this narrative, I employ local wildlife and fauna as allegorical symbols. They become conduits for exploring the intricacies of various situations, ponderings, and mundane encounters. These elements seamlessly weave into the larger evolving narrative that defines my prints and paintings.
In essence, my work becomes a testament to the ever-shifting interrelationship between our surroundings and our perceptions. Through my art, I seek to encapsulate the essence of "location" as not just a physical space, but an emotional and intellectual threshold that invites viewers to contemplate their own connections to the environments they inhabit.
Donald W. VanAuken