The modern8 gallery opens a new exhibit by artists Cary Griffiths and Larry Clarkson on Friday, October 20, 2006. The exhibit continues through November 15, 2006.

Cary Griffiths paints on a canvas that he places on the floor, allowing him to work from all different angles. Using acrylic paints, "color, along with form and motion, is what primarily drives my paintings," and the application of "the paint is influenced by the mood of the concept. I have been influenced by abstract painters and admire the techniques of Pollack, Miro, DeKooning, & Kandinsky," says Griffiths. "The influence of Asian watercolors and calligraphy is also present. When I paint, I almost always feel a beat, a rhythm, often a melody as well."

Griffiths was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended the University of Utah and although he kept painting, put aside the professional pursuit of art to raise a growing family. But by 2005 he became a member of Utah Artists and was the featured artist in September 2006.

Larry Clarkson is an artistic vagabond who has lived many creative lives.

"At first glance it may not seem apparent that Jackson Pollack, William deKooning, Franz Kline and Mark Rothko have influenced my plein-air landscape studies. However, the mechanics of painting outdoors itself promotes artistic responses very similar to abstract expressionism.

"A plein-air painting is immediate. A scene must be painted within an hour or so - after that the light has changed significantly enough to require a new start. I paint with a palette knife so a visual response to the structural essence and/or quality of light of a particular scene is about all I can really hope to convey. Detail is not possible. Then the sun, wind, rain and bugs also join in the symphony of expressive exhilaration, or more often desperation. Other times I am captivated by the sensuous application of color and paint on board.

"But most often I become so engrossed in the creative act that the landscape and the art momentarily envelopes and sweeps me away. An hour or so later I awaken as if from a dream and the painting is the evidence of a journey vaguely remembered. This is why I paint outdoors."

Mr. Clarkson divides his time between his homes in Salt Lake City and the red rock desert of southern Utah near Capitol Reef National Park. An avid skier and hiker, Larry translates his outdoor experiences into paintings. Winner of "Best of Show" at the first annual Maynard Dixon Country Invitational, Mr. Clarkson has been featured as "An Artist to Collect" in Southwest Art Magazine. His work has won awards at the Deseret News Landscape Show, numerous "Plein-Air Painting" shows, and has been exhibited at the Springville Art Museum and other invitational shows. He is represented in various galleries in Utah, Colorado and Arizona.

For additional information about the artists and the modern8 Gallery please visit our website, www.modern8.com/gallery.





If you haven't been to our office, you may not know that we're very near the art gallery district of the emerging west downtown area. Not only that, but we've got these great, white walls with 13' ceilings and hey — aren't we artists too? Drop by on Gallery Stroll night, Friday, October 20, 6:00 – 9:00 PM for exhibits by local and international artists. You can visit our webpage to find out more information about the Gallery or exhibiting artists.



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