VISIONS OF YAW
But He’s Not A Hero, Oil on canvas, 30” x 24”
Artist's Statement
Adam Yaw creates to honor his aptitude for the arts. But greater than a sense of obligation, Yaw has found that having a degree of passion for his subject matter helps immensely in regards to the actual execution of the brush strokes and in bringing about the overall impact of the painting and its certain indefinable qualities. Themes that inspire him - time and again - include an individual's beauty, ridiculous humor, typography, self-exploration, and the awe-inducing effects of specific moments and abilities. Yaw has a respect for his skill in naturalism but is also willing to let his application get wild and imaginative.
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“But the best paintings … one has a feeling that you don’t know where they came from, they just happen. I always say that students need to get out of their own way. We’re living through an intensely mental phase in the history of art. The scales often tip one way or the other, and right now they’ve gone into this extreme mental state and cognitive direction, but it’s not always like this. The way art has been taught in the last thirty years is all about intentionality—and I would say intentionality is overrated. I don’t really give a shit what somebody *thinks* their work is about. Students are expected to talk about intentions, and I think Who cares? I don’t even want to know, don’t tell me …”
- David Salle, painter
A painting should be able to stand out no matter the artist's intentions. Perception will hold more weight than intention: at least to the viewer. (Especially if it is a commissioned piece!)
Seahawks Helmet, Oil on canvas, 20” x 24”