In our present times calling for our best efforts on behalf of the greatest good, artCentral is fully committed to making responsible choices for the well-being of our artists, patrons and guests. We want to take every measure possible to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. As venues across our country are making day by day decisions in keeping with CDC guidelines and protocols, artCentral will be CLOSED until further notice.
Philip Ledbetter’s PAINT in MOTION solo exhibition is postponed. This showcase of the exciting motion paintings made by this innovative artist was scheduled to fill the galleries of Hyde House, April 3 through May 17, 2020. For now, all of artCentral’s plans and preparations for PAINT in MOTION are postponed and put on hold.
Since we must delay this exceptional offering, I am thankful for the graciousness and professionalism of Philip Ledbetter. He has agreed to keep in reserve all of his original works scheduled to be debuted April 3. Looking ahead to the spring of 2021, we anticipate the joy of another spring in which to exhibit PAINT in MOTION.
The passion and commitment Philip Ledbetter gives to his art-making are evident in the outstanding body of work he has spent more than a year preparing for his artCentral exhibition unveiling. We all share in his disappointment with the necessity of postponing his 2020 Opening and Exhibition.
The words of Artist Phil Ledbetter, written in his Artist Statement, tell you best of his deep love for and his commitment to his art-making.
“I am a painter and photographer. My mission is to present subjects in a new and interesting way, to entertain, and to bring attention to the beautiful things around us that we pass by and take for granted, every day.
I have been greatly influenced by Andy Warhol, Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock, to name a few. Like Pollock, I use only latex paint, however, the latex paint of today is greatly improved over the paint that was produced in 1940’s and 50’s. The colors are easier to work with, more vibrant, and they are longer lasting than the latex paint of long ago.
My subjects are frequently influenced by nature, especially the sun and the ocean, but not always. Sometimes people, and even architecture, find their way into my work.
After I choose a subject, or abstract idea, I set out all of the colors I want to include, then, I use an instrument like a paintbrush, pipe cleaner or wooden stick to dip into the color, then drip the paint onto a canvas that is lying flat on the ground or table.
Typically, the paint is dripped onto the canvas, but sometimes it is tossed or even thrown. The paint is actually in motion when contacting the canvas, hence the term “motion painting”. This tends to contribute the impression of movement and/or energy to the work.
Ordinarily, creating artistic painting is done with great precision, but this is not necessarily true with motion painting. Motion painting, in my opinion, allows a greater range and breadth of actual physical expression.
My work is unusual, and I really like that my art strays from the norm. I learn new techniques with each painting, and I love to experiment with colors. I enjoy producing paintings that create a mood, or especially, one that gives the observer a lot to view.
My greatest hope is that you are thoroughly entertained by what you see. Thank you so much for coming out to see my exhibit. Your presence means the world to me. Sincerely, Philip Ledbetter.”
We do hope you will join us in looking ahead to another spring—the fresh beginning of a new spring—when the walls of Hyde House will bloom with PAINT in MOTION!
In the meantime please follow artCentral for new developments and announcements at www.facebook.com/ArtcentralCarthage/ and at www.artcentralcarthage.org/events.html.
