Artist Statement
My work is about noticing the unnoticed. My paintings are inspired by subjects that are generally deemed inconsequential to others – a patch of grass, an opening in the forest – these subjects are often seen as backdrops to more important action. I see them as yielding much more than we initially perceive.
These profound moments are found within our daily rhythms. I was once told to pay attention to the things that stop me in my tracks. Those moments of pause hold something of value that is meant to be explored. For several years my work found its way into these moments through study of the reflections of light found on the floors and walls of interior spaces. These were forgotten surfaces that I found to be quite beautiful. More recently my work has begun to shift out of doors. The same qualities of light and shape that I found so interesting are now found in the arrangements of leaves and grass blades. I am especially aware of the abstract, formal qualities these subjects inspire. A certain cut of light on a patch of green grass suggests both a tactile, vivid experience in nature and a moment of quiet beauty often overlooked.
I have found that often the lowest and most overlooked elements of the world in which we live can be the most significant. My hope is that others would also begin to slow down and experience these resonant moments.
These profound moments are found within our daily rhythms. I was once told to pay attention to the things that stop me in my tracks. Those moments of pause hold something of value that is meant to be explored. For several years my work found its way into these moments through study of the reflections of light found on the floors and walls of interior spaces. These were forgotten surfaces that I found to be quite beautiful. More recently my work has begun to shift out of doors. The same qualities of light and shape that I found so interesting are now found in the arrangements of leaves and grass blades. I am especially aware of the abstract, formal qualities these subjects inspire. A certain cut of light on a patch of green grass suggests both a tactile, vivid experience in nature and a moment of quiet beauty often overlooked.
I have found that often the lowest and most overlooked elements of the world in which we live can be the most significant. My hope is that others would also begin to slow down and experience these resonant moments.
Bio
Josiah King is an artist and teacher from North Carolina. King’s paintings are largely focused on finding interesting yet typically unnoticed moments from his everyday surroundings.
His work has been shown in many public venues, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Contemporary Art Museum, United States Capitol Building in Washington DC, and the Erie Art Museum. King’s work received special honors in Self, Observed, an juried exhibition held in conjunction with the Rembrandt in America exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art. He is the recipient of the Congressional Art Award, which reserved an exhibition spot in the Congressional Building in Washington D.C. for one year. King’s paintings have been included in the Chimera 13 Art Journal and featured on the cover of Voices Journal.
King is the full-time Art Instructor at Sampson Community College in Clinton, North Carolina. The artist has a studio space in downtown Clinton.
His work has been shown in many public venues, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Contemporary Art Museum, United States Capitol Building in Washington DC, and the Erie Art Museum. King’s work received special honors in Self, Observed, an juried exhibition held in conjunction with the Rembrandt in America exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art. He is the recipient of the Congressional Art Award, which reserved an exhibition spot in the Congressional Building in Washington D.C. for one year. King’s paintings have been included in the Chimera 13 Art Journal and featured on the cover of Voices Journal.
King is the full-time Art Instructor at Sampson Community College in Clinton, North Carolina. The artist has a studio space in downtown Clinton.
