Color Is My Middle Name
An Exhibit by Paul Fontana
March 22 — May 1, 2023
OPENING RECEPTION
Friday April 21, 2023 at 5:30pm
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Get lost in the movement of color and shape in Paul Fontana’s vibrant exhibit "Color Is My Middle Name." The pieces in this work are created using a technique called, encaustic, in which pigments are mixed with hot liquid wax. This technique results in striking and expressive work.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“From tiny acorns mighty oaks grow” easily describes my art career. I stand on the shoulders of giants. Both of those adages could describe my journey. I had the time to nurture those acorns and I was fortunate enough to be around some super talented and patient artists.
It began with that one day that I thought I would enjoy doing a little painting…not necessarily anything to be even seen by anyone. It was strictly for my own entertainment. I had been retired for 5 years so I thought why not.
As I progressed, I improved. I began getting encouragement to start showing my work. It would be an understatement to say that I was reluctant. Nevertheless, the progression was a Saturday Market in Dalton, Georgia and then the Sunday Chattanooga Market and then weekend art shows in Atlanta.
Before long I was traveling to shows from Florida to Indiana. Since then, I’ve been in galleries in Atlanta and Charlotte, in addition to others in Chattanooga. All in the span of 12 years.
Growing up, I was a free-range kid in New York City in the 40s and 50s, when you could do that. I had a Brownie Hawkeye camera that was almost always with me, so I was composing, looking at light and shadow and becoming fascinated with color. Much later, when I was in the Navy, I was assigned to the photo lab aboard 2 different aircraft carriers. I mention photography because I feel that it trained my eyes, as well as directing my attention to detail.
I’ve not been to art school, so I have no deep artist statement to give you. However, I can tell you that I love to paint and that whatever I paint will be colorful. I went from oil paint to acrylic to encaustic, which uses oil paint in beeswax, so I feel as though I’ve come full circle.
I have a YouTube video, which shows the encaustic process. I’ll tell you that it involves a heat gun and/or blowtorch rather than a paintbrush or palette knife. The URL is very long, so if you’re interested, go to YouTube and search using the key words: Fontana, encaustic and “I Do What I Do.” I’ll warn you that it’s a little rough around the edges, but it tells the story. I just wish I had combed my hair.
Paul Fontana
To learn more about Paul Fontana and his work, you can visit his Facebook page.
This exhibit is available to the public for free during regular business hours and during special events. For more information on this exhibit and all AACA programs visit athensartscouncil.org, call 423-745-8781, or stop by The Arts Center at 320 North White Street, Athens, TN. Current business hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm.