Scott Lewis
See Scott's solo exhibition: Carnal Fluorescence, a collection of paintings, drawings, and stories at The Chocolate Factory Theater Gallery:
Dates: 10/28/05 through 1/28/06
Opening Reception Friday Oct. 28 5-7pm
The Chocolate Factory Theater Gallery
5-49 49 th Ave at Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, Queens
Gallery hours:
Tuesday thru Friday 6-9pm
Saturday/Sunday 1-6pm
(718) 482-7069
Subway: 7 to Vernon Blvd - Jackson Ave
First stop in Queens and like 5 minutes from Grand Central!
Artist's Statement
I have always been fascinated by what lays beneath the surface of what appears to be shiny, clean and accepted. Like the carnival that once was new and bright, but is now creaky and run down; the faded elegance of an old tuxedo being worn by one believing it is "the proper way to dress"; the face with too much make-up and artificial colored hair; the surgically enhanced body: bright happy paint chips away to reveal a rusted damaged base.
One of my influences growing up were the transparent pages in anatomy books. By turning a page I could
isolate one layer after another, the blood and muscles so intense and brilliant. I take a similar approach in creating my subjects. I, though, want to also expose their internal thoughts, urges and self images. I want to present them inside out, so their interiority is expressed outwardly in their physical appearance. Desperation runs through my work. Many are trying to take advantage of others. They feel they have an angle or appeal that will get them ahead. Others are desperate to be accepted, while others are desperate to dominate. They are all desperate for the pleasures that eventually lead to disappointment.
Biography
A year after I was born in Los Angeles, I was moved to New York from whence my parents came. This was probably a good thing because I hate warm weather. My formative years were spent frolicking in Brooklyn. From my earliest recollections, I always loved drawing and colors. My art epiphany came when, at age five, when an aunt gave me a set of magic markers. Resisting drawing on the walls (which I eventually did with my mother's permission), I spent hours upon hours creating on paper. Constantly developing my style, I
attended The School of Visual Arts. My experiences in art school help to strengthen and fortify my belief in my work. This stubbornness continues to inspire me. This has also led me to expand my creative interests to include using video and writing short stories. Presently I sit by my drafting table and easel overlooking a fine Forest Hills view. Joining me are my two small children and my medium size wife.
Group Exhibitions
The Knitting Factory
The Williamsburg Art and Historical Society
Subculture Gallery
C-Pop (Detroit)
City Without Walls
Western Washington University (Bellingham Washington)
Noiseville
CBGB Gallery
Solo Exhibitions
The Delaware Center For The Contemporary Arts
Tonic - Actors performed monologues based on 3 of my paintings/titles.
Download the four stories accompanying Scott's paintings:
Also of interest
Produced and wrote award winning public access programming that was distributed to various stations across the U.S.
