earthsoul.art
Smyrna, TN – February 8th 2014
Earthsoul Gallery is hosting a Group Art Exhibition. Africa to America Unity in Art 2. Artist Reception February 8th 2014 from 6-9pm. Africa to America includes a mixture of artists from both continents featuring a variety of styles from abstract to realism, with intent to show that no matter where art is produced there is a kinship of the soul.
This is a FREE event and open to the public. The exhibit will be displayed from February 8 – March 2014. Exhibit Hours: Friday and Saturday 11-6pm or by appointment.
Reception is free to the public includes Light refreshments, wine, and music.
Artist List: Thaxton Waters, James Makuac (The Lost Boys Foundation), Barbara Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Michael Mucker, Robert Orr, Jr., Nikk Isaac, Elisheba Israel, Benneth Wilson,
About the Artists:
Thaxton Waters -Artist Statement: My paintings work as a catalyst for people to re-examine those memories kept away in the mind dealing with family, society, and historical events. I began my process by extensive research, gathering as much material I can find about a specific person, place, or event. I do not want to simply re-paint the image but with image distortion, contrasting colors, text, & ornamental elements from that era can give life to the subject again.
I try with every finished work to breathe life into a forgotten African-American Southern culture so that its designs, ideas, pitfalls, innovations, triumphs and lifestyle are displayed on my canvas. The challenge, as with any recreated moment from the past, is to not caricature the moment but instead capture it in all its former glory. My artwork speaks, not only for me, but for people who were long ago silenced.
James Makuac (The Lost Boys Foundation)- My Life -I am from the country of Sudan on the continent of Africa. I am part of a large group of young men called The Lost Boys of Sudan. Many of us came to the United States as war refugees. We emigrated from a beautiful land that only blessed us with extreme hardship. We are called the Lost Boys because we were forced as children to flee our villages and families. We ran for our lives through the jungles and desert, across three countries trying to escape the civil war between Northern and Southern Sudan. This war continues to this day. I became an artist because of the difficulties I have experienced in my life. The paintings that I make tell the history of The Lost Boys and the other people who suffer in Sudan. It is as important to paint the horrors of war as it is a beautiful flower. Our life before the war was like a beautiful garden. Life during war is a landscape of Sorghum flowers, a beautiful sky, and a bomb exploding overhead. My life now, living in The United States is good. I have a job where I am paid and I am an independent man. I feel secure. I like country music. It reminds me of African music. When I am not working at my job I spend my time painting and studying the clouds.
Barbara Hodges, A native of Murfreesboro Tennessee, Barbara Hodges attended Middle Tennessee State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & Chemistry as well as a Master of Science degree in Chemistry. Dr. Hodges attended the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee Wisconsin where she received her MD degree. Dr. Hodges is the author of numerous publications in various medical journals. Currently she is actively practicing Family Medicine with her practice at Middle Tennessee Family Health Center. Dr. Hodges has also been a strong advocate of community service. In June 2002, Dr. Hodges and her spouse (Leroy) co-founded “Kids for the Creative Arts, Inc.”, an organization created to promote and increase the awareness and appreciation for the creative arts among children 3-17 years old. Barbara is a devoted member of Zeta.
Artist statement: Creating art that invites the viewer to ponder and explore is Barbara Hodges primary goal. A passion for hope, excellence, beauty, and things spiritual is reflected in paintings that also reflect her love for vivid, bold, brilliant colors, textures, light, and mystery. Barbara’s artwork also intricately tells a story and layered with a symbol of “social consciousness”. Barbara tries to capture the emotion and mood that tells a story that will uplift the spirit. Art is communication. I hope my art will speak to you.
Leroy Hodges graduated from Mississippi Valley State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics. Leroy obtained a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Middle Tennessee State University in 1982. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from MTSU as well. He joined the staff of Middle Tennessee State University in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department in 1981 as a Math Instructor. Leroy participated in various programs at the Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. He also enjoy sharing his artistic skills with others especially children. Leroy firmly believes that our children hold the key to the future of the world. He remained an active life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and enjoys being an artist.
Artist statement: My paintings are designed to capture not only the beauty in nature, but also what can be imagined, the struggle, joy and pain of the Human experience. Oil painting is my preferred medium. I love painting spectacular skies. My art is meant to be expressive, thought provoking, and imaginative. My art offers the viewer possibilities into the human experience.
Michael “Ol Skool” Mucker has been creating artwork as far back as he can remember. Growing up during the Golden Age of Hip Hop, graffiti became one of his artistic pastimes that allowed creative freedom. He made a transition from spray cans to airbrushing at the age of 17. Self-taught with no formal artistic training, his experience with a spray can helped develop his skills with the airbrush quickly.
After returning home from Desert Storm, He moved to TN and back to his art to express himself experimenting in a variety of mediums. Mike’s artwork can and has been seen all over Nashville and surrounding areas. Kung Fu Coffee at the corner of 4th Ave and I-65 housed a larger than life Bruce Lee, for which the coffee house became noted for. Mike has participated in several projects with local talent all over the Nashville area since 1995. He has exhibited his work in galleries, museums, and cultural centers throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. In addition, Mike’s paintings are in numerous private collections.
Currently, Mike is working with P.A.S.T.L. Inc, which stands for Promoting Artistic Strengths Through Logic, working with various school age children ranging from 8 yrs old to 18 years of age. The main focus of P.A.S.T.L. is to help kids understands that there are logical applications for their creative thoughts and dreams. Kids from different communities come together to assist in creating community murals which allows them to take ownership in their neighborhoods. This was a fulfilling opportunity that Mike is very passionate about and could not pass up.
A devoted father of three; one son, and two girls, Mike does what he loves most… creating and teaching his craft at Plaza Artist Materials, Amun Ra Theatre Performing Arts Camp, the PASTL project, and The Studio on Antioch. For more information about Mike, please visitworksofmike.com.
Nikk Isaac - was born in Nigeria into a humble Christian home. He is the eldest of five children and was raised by his parents in art and craft community. His father worked hard at a water plant while his mother stayed at home tending to the family. He always walked to the farm with his mother which endeared him to love nature.
Nikks’ inspiration to carve woods came from a wooden crafted toy his late father gave to him. When his little toy broke, he then looked for ways to fix it. This brought out the desire and talent in him to begin crafting bigger and more detailed carvings. He continues to work predominantly in the medium of wood carving. He makes fine pieces of intricately finished arts that are very captivating to collectors and viewers alike.
Nikk has participated in RAW-natural born artist show in Nashville, Art Crawl at Edge Hill Village with Dehlhauser Gallery in Nashville, and several shows at Earthsoul art Gallery. He also has had solo shows overseas in Uyo, Lagos and Abuja, all of which are in Nigeria.
Nikk has his works in Germany, Nigeria and United States of America. He is represented by Southpoint Supply and Earthsoul Gallery in Smyrna TN. He lives in Nashville TN, USA.
Benneth Wilson - Artist statement - Life is an art , and art is a life. Where there is art . There is life . Bio: Born in 1959 , as a child i would watch my big sister draw in my kindergarten drawing pads and wanted to draw as well as she did. From there i find my love for art .In high school i took art classes , but decide to join the military where i continued to draw and paint . In 2003 i decided to attend art school , and graduated in 2005 , from the Nossi School of Art .
