Blake Gardner
Clayton, GA
Let me introduce you to my art work! I often use irony; portraying natural animals in humorous ways. My intent is to startle the viewer mildly at times; with faux objects appearing to hang or rest on the frames. Often I use aged or distressed wood – the rustic signs, paintings or cut-out fish and birds look as if they were 100 years old. Sometimes caught up by God’s designed beauty, I just copy it, often impressionistically. Yet, nostalgia can draw me into a western landscape with horses or cowboys in full regalia racing for the calf, or watching the beauty of creation with the viewer. Rarely, I paint scenes like these westerns on furniture, just as marketed by Habersham Furniture in Toccoa, Georgia.
While employed at Habersham for several years, I copied the original art of master artist, Barbi White, onto various furniture pieces such as tables, chairs, dressers, mirrors, etc. I thank God for my artistic gift honed by my time at Habersham and my blood, sweat, and tears.
I do have a degree in painting from the University of South Carolina. But, it was a fourth grade friend, Tommy Lee Whitlock, who collected my early art and said he would make money someday when I become famous. His encouragement helped me to pursue art along with the many other jobs I have had to do to survive while my artwork emerged. As a full-time artist now, along with my beautiful wife, Diane, we provide for our three children here in the Georgia mountains above Clayton. My family tolerates my mess and loves my paintings.
I exclusively use acrylics, mostly because they are friendlier to my environment. The final finish is a furniture-grade clear satin acrylic. None of the work is suitable for outdoors, unless ordered that way. Feel free to contact me for custom art.
Phone: 706-244-5332 E-Mail: blakegardnerart@gmail.com
