BUMPER CROP
This was the hardest $2 Art Contest to judge yet. I always think it is going to be easy. And, I am always wrong. A word to the wise… I allow a free entry to the $2 Art Contest if you send me one of your rejection letters, and sometimes those entries DO win. This month’s entry is proof that late entries and free entries have the same shot as all the rest. But, I didn’t come to the decision easily. I was, ironically, wandering around a Farmer’s Market when I finally made the decision. This month’s Featured Artist is my sort of the perfect bumper-crop tomato.
I have a history in graphic design and I am drawn to bold color, not unlike fruit and vegetable crate labels of days gone by. It is frequently the attempt of my own work to direct the eye with bold lines, even if the subject matter seems common. So once again, I suppose I am just self-absorbed enough to be attracted to it in others’ work.
This month’s artist brings attention
to the everyday scenes in life
that are often overlooked.
The Featured Artist chosen from the July and August entries is Deneé Black. Black’s work forced me to stop and inspect each piece, to look for the storyline. My life is always buzzing and busy. I truly appreciate the simple moments that inspire life, AND I appreciate the not so subtle reminder that it is up to me not to miss the BEAUTY of everyday life.
FEATURED ARTIST:
Deneé Black
Black was born and raised in North Carolina and is happy to still call it home. All her life she has loved to draw and create. When she was little she wanted to illustrate children’s books and at one point, medical books.
In high school, she was fortunate enough to have an amazing art teacher that encouraged her to develop her talents. That led Black to decide to earn a degree in graphic design.
“I then learned to think like a designer.
I love that I am a painter with a design degree
and not a painting degree.”
The influence of Black’s study of graphic design is evidently demonstrated in her work today. She worked as a designer for a few years but quickly lost interest. To cure her creative burnout, Black took a break from both design AND art.
“I sometimes wonder about all the years that I lost not creating artwork, but I know that the break was a necessary step in my personal process to being where I am now as an artist,” says Black.
But I wanted Black to explain–why the Farmer’s Market? Why Cityscapes? Where’s the soul in that? “My work is about bringing attention to the everyday scenes in life that are often overlooked. Though I take inspiration from where I live and places that I visit, the places and subjects that I choose to highlight are the ordinary spots that can be found in any city.
Both the Cityscapes series and the Farmers Market series are about the color, form and energy in these common scenes. When I am captured by a striking city perspective or a pile of yellow peppers at the farmers market, I am surrounded by other people bustling about. Often times those people are too busy to notice the beauty around them”
What do you consider your media? Do you once again consider yourself a graphic designer? “Typically, I refer to myself as a mixed media artist or a painter. My design background doesn’t influence my ‘title’ but it definitely influences my work! I haven’t done graphic design for a number of years (so I haven’t referred to myself as a graphic designer in quite some time) but I still think like one.”
Talk to me about how you work, your process. Do you have special terminology that you have developed for how you work? “I don’t use any special equipment. My favorite piece of equipment would be my camera, affectionately named ‘Olympia’ (yes, it’s an Olympic camera). Most all of my work is taken from inspiration that I documented with my camera. I work mostly in acrylics utilizing my photography, image transfer and collage (including my own screen printed collage pieces).
My favorite substrate with which to work is always stretched canvas but depending on my goal for a specific piece, I will use paper or wood for my process if I think it will add to the work. Although I have my preferences but I think it’s good to be flexible in regards to processes and materials because that’s how you learn (and accidentally find out) new things. I usually exhibit my work on gallery wrapped stretched canvas. I like the casual elegance of that presentation–no outline or frame, just artwork.”
You know we have to talk about food: “Well, I am just going to be honest… Potato Chips! I don’t like a particular brand or flavor as it depends on my craving at the moment. Hands down, they have been my favorite food my entire life.
“When I was little, I had pajamas that said,
‘Potato chips are vegetables too!’
I still stand by that logic.”
So, what’s coming up next for you, Deneé? “This year has been pretty busy. I am a deadline oriented person. I like deadlines because they help keep me focused. The bad thing about them is that they don’t allow me much time for research and experimentation in my art. I want to grow and improve as an artist so I am going to purposefully focus on that for a bit. ”
Thank you, Deneé Black for reminding us as we head into Fall to contemplate the beauty that surrounds us every day. I am inspired to snuggle in for the comforts of autumn and not miss a thing. See you on the tomato aisle!
Learn more about Deneé Black online!
Want to be a Featured Artist on www.ArtAndArtDeadlines.com?
Check out the $2 Art Contest!
Such a refreshing perspective delivered from Denee’. I think too often we drop cliches like “stop and smell the roses” but how often are they just words to us. It seems this artist practices what she preaches and inspires us to do so through her beautiful artwork.
Thank you for reopening my eyes and I look forward to seeing the future work of Denee’ Black.
Deneés work is an intriguing, graphic blend of form, line and a hard-edged focus on everyday objects in extraordinary ways. High contrast in her pieces make a simple, but strong statement. I always enjoy your work, Deneé!
Keen eye, masterful hand, warm wit — what more could you ask of an artist? Thanks for a great interview.
I love features such as this one, that allow a ‘fan’ to learn more about the artist and the ‘how’ behind the work they produce. Deneés work is intriguing because of its simplicity. She well attains her end goal by making ‘missed moments’ strikingly beautiful through her use of vibrant color and sharp contrast. Great interview with a great artist — many thanks to you both!
I always look forward to seeing The latest focus from Denee’.
“My work is about bringing attention to the everyday scenes in life” Yes,
these are the things that bring comfort and ground us. Great work
Have followed Denee’s art for some time and am consistently impressed. Normal becomes striking and fresh-moments in time stopped and highlighted.
I’m not a well versed critic by any means. However, I’ve been a fan since the first time I came across Denee’s work. Truthfully, I’m surprised it took everyone else so long to discover her!
Excellent interview with an excellent artist. I’ve seen Black’s work before and have always been enamored with her eye for detail and beauty in everyday things.
Nice article and great sample of Ms. Black’s work. I’m not a sophisticated art critic but I know when I like something and I like this work. Thanks for exposing your readers to these talented artists.
Great article. I am so intrigued my an artist’s mind and how they “see” things. Denee Black’s work is refreshing and interesting! I am amazed by all the works I’ve seen! I know she is going places with her art. Very talented and I am so glad she rediscovered her passion for creating!
Denee’s work has opened my eyes to re-examine the ordinary things that surround me. I am facinated by the way she shows the beauty of such simple objects that usually are just a blur in my line of vision. I hope I can continue to slow down and pay attention to the real beauty in my world. Thank you Denee’. . .
Capturing the simple, everyday items around us in a detailed, unique way is what Denee’ does so wonderfully. Thank you for this feature of an amazingly talented artist who inspires me to take time to examine the overlooked and find it’s beauty.
I’ve seen Deneé’s work in galleries around Raleigh and her obvious talent is set apart by her graphic design chops. She shows her roots in a fantastic way by highlighting North Carolina scenes and subjects. The bold colors and inventive compositions make me eager to see what she produces in the future!
Wow!!! Denee is one of my favorite artist in the Raliegh area! I am so excited she is the featured artist. Her work is incredible and I am so proud of her!!!! Fantastic Work!!!!!
ps Would love to meet that art teacher who inspired you great job! 😉
Pop art extraordinnaire! Deneé has a wonderful eye for her subject matter and expert technique. I have one Deneé original and want more! And yes, Deneé, potato chips are vegetables!
Great article on Denee. Denee’s work is very unique. It has a bold contemporary feel to it that would look good anywhere it’s placed. She covers her subjects with rich coordinated colors, and simple but sleek designs. She has developed her “artistic voice” and looking at her website, it’s easy to see the style and continuity of her works. I really love the new market series. Artists have painted markets, but Denee’s paintings have a very interesting and fresh new slant on this subject. Being an artist is all about creativity, and finding new ways to present subjects, Denee’s very unique works exhibit a prime example of those goals.
Denee’s work captures the extraordinary in seemingly small things: the colors, the arrangement, the lines and shapes. Thank-you, Denee, for reminding us through your work to be present in life and appreciate the beauty that is always around us!
I love the way Denee’ uses color and perspective to accentuate the beauty in the moment that is so easily missed. These pieces are like subconscious memories captured – they provide a second chance for reflection and appreciation.
Denee’ takes everyday objects and turns them into works that delight the eyes, and makes us look forward to the next project! Thanks so much for sharing such talent…
Great article! Interesting to hear the “behind the artist” perspective!
Beautiful and Stunning artwork. It makes me want to visit each and every place the art depicts. It is clear that Denee’ and “Olympia” work very well together!
I’ve been following this amazing artist for a couple of years now. It’s great to see that she is getting some well deserved recognition!
I was lucky enough to purchase one of Denee’s paintings a few months ago, and I hope to own more in the future. She is such a talented artist with a fresh perspective. I am always excited to see what she’s going to do next. Thanks for highlighting such great talent!
Denne’s work is strong and current. She is a serious and hard working artist and yet humble and open. A refreshing change!
Denee’s style is rivoting. I was first introduced to her work by a friend directing me to her, then new, website. She had just recently rededicated herself to her art; that in itself was inspiring. I was moved by her ability to capture beauty in what many would either miss or consider mundane. Her unique style of blended media allows one to glance and immediately enjoy her pieces but also invites a more serious study. I also think it is wonderful that she reaches out to other artists through the teaching of her methods and sharing of her experiences. I look forward to following what will surely be a bright future for Denee. I better get on the ball and purchase one of her pieces before I can’t afford them. (And I whole heartedly agree that potato chips are vegetables!)
Congratulations to Denee Black for such an outstanding feature! It was a pleasure and a joy reading about Denee. Denee, you’re Number One in my book!
Peggy S. Hinson
Denee’s work is simple but very bold! I love the Cityscape series. The combination of colors
and designs are exciting!!! I can’t wait to see what inspires this artist next. Great Work!!!!
As a graphic designer myself, I have always been drawn to artwork with a graphic presence. Denee’s work 100% embodies the style of work that catches my eye. I’ve never thought I’d be dying to have a painting of onions on my wall until Denee’s Farmers Market series. Each piece is full of bold color, hard lines, real life. Denee’s talent has been hidden away for a few years but is back and thriving!
Delectable eye candy. I want some of this on my walls.
Congrats to Denee for her amazing work. Her eye and view of the world around her bring such light to things that otherwise are overlooked.
Thanks for sharing Denee’s work. I love her strong compositions–they have a fascinating interplay of flatness and dimensionality. Also love the plays of value and her use of color. Her work is so much fun and still very sophisticated–difficult to pull off. I’m a big fan!!!
I first came by Denee’s artwork a few months ago. I was immediately drawn to it. I always love her subject matter–but purely because of the life and color Denee encorporates into every piece. I doubt very much I would find the original photo half as exciting. I love art that makes the boring, everyday things of life interesting and exciting and this is what Denee does so well. I think Denee is a unique and creative artist and I look forward to following her success.
Denee’s artwork has such a distinctive style that is original. I love that it’s like nothing I’ve seen before.
What I most appreciate about Denee’s work, apart from the obviously unique beauty, is the imbuing effect it has on me. Without exception, her pieces coerce an intra-comtemplation. I find myself engaged within a personal interpretation of what the art is saying. The terms of this contemplation range, by piece, from whimsy to a raw bleakness. I can’t say I have found another artist that evokes the same visceral cogitation. Wonderful.
What depth and uniqueness. I am such a fan of Denee’ Black. She has an incredibly keen eye and her work is demonstrative of her gift as an artist and warm soul. The contrast, the colors, the mixed media, the story…….I love it all. Great interview. I eagerly await more from the thriving and talented, Mrs. Black.
I absolutely love Deneé s composition and pallet. Her years of graphic design are evident it the subject matter she explores. I love that she decided to leave the hard line design art of the 60’s painter/designer canon of “Pop” art. That term should have been laid to rest in the early 70’s. Deneé s work invokes the concise message of linear design, with whimsical gestures and a brave and playful pallet. As a proud owner of two of here works, I can honestly say Deneé is one of my favorite artists working from her passion alone. If she is proud to paint with a graphic design degree, I’m equally disappointed that I do graphic design with a painting degree.
I love Denee’s artwork!
Great to learn more detail about Denee’s technique and medium. I’ve followed her work for awhile now and find it to be growing stronger and stronger. The”traditional” subject matter she uses contrasts so nicely with her pop and painterly sensibilities. The overall graphic effect is one that feels very fresh and current right now.
I have long been a devoted fan of Denee. She’s one the hardest working artists I know. Denee somehow manages to find beauty in anything anywhere. She is inspiring!
Her artwork is as refreshing as she is.I’m not an art critic ,I just know I like it.
Always anxious to see what hr eyes see next.Talented artist,lovely young lady
Splashy, Bold, and yummy to the eyes! …very original, and I can’t wait to see what’s next…
I’ve watched with amazement as Denee prepared for one show after another this year. She has such good clear energy and it come through her work. Good going Denee.
Beautiful work always!
The artist is very insightful into colors and
dimensions. Her work is exciting. It is great
for her to finally get some recognition
For her talent!
Her cityscapes series is my favorite. Great artist!
Denee’s talent never ceases to amaze me! Keep up the awesome work!!
Love your colors denee. Your knowledge in graphic design is very apparent in your work!
Denee’s work pops! Strong lines, amazing color combinations. It really catches your eye…
I’ve always enjoyed Denee’s work, she’s an amazing talent, I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for is in 2012!