RICK HURST

Artist Statement

ENERGY | FREQUENCY | VIBRANCY 2023

"An ongoing exploration of universal components in the origin of cosmic life and its evolution. Each artwork is a unique window into that continuum, anywhere from the first spark of life energy to the sophisticated harmony and complexity of the human mind."

My creative perspective and process is unique in the world of digital design. I see universal energies in the world around me -- the life forces of nature, the vibrancy of color, the vitality and strength of architecture.

My purpose is to interpret and reveal those energies to all who view my art -- to awaken curiosity and prompt introspection, to feed their inner being, to have my designs resonate with them.

All of my designs begin with original photography that captures the beauty and spirit of nature and the real world. I meld these photos into digital artworks using multiple exposures, layers, color transformations and art filters.

Nature and architecture are the foundations for many of my abstract designs: spirals from the Dali Museum DNA staircase merge with the domed ceiling from a Budapest spa and tropical flora to evoke the infinity of the cosmos, or restructure into a futuristic energy-scape.

Organic elements can lead to amazing constructs: overlays of magnolia blossoms reveal a feminine torso or explode into a fantastical flower; stems from a bunch of grapes morph into a multi-patterned North Star ascending to the heavens; a pond of waterlilies at a neglected mansion melds with marshland scenes to become a colorful vignette of tranquility and contemplation.

Other people may not see the world as I do, but my wish is to stimulate their own imaginations, to have them look within and create their own interpretations of my designs.

Biography

My childhood refuge in Mississippi was to immerse myself in the natural world around me. This eventually led to a 1982 Bachelor of Arts degree and courses at the Parsons School of Design in New York. Not finding a job in the arts field, I joined the federal government and eventually retired in Washington, DC as a paralegal.

After moving to the Gulf Coast, I revived my interest in abstracts and my talents in acrylics and watercolors. I participated in art markets, artists' co-ops, galleries & art shows, even winning awards and mounting a 6-month one-man show.

To satisfy my cravings for new avenues of creativity, I began experimenting with digital photos of nature and architecture, altering colors and combining images in multiple overlays. By the time I moved to St Petersburg, Florida in 2016, I was wholly committed to the digital art world.

Now I have new tools for expressing myself as an artist: I work with clean hands -- no brushes, no splattered paints -- and I can take new photographs and work digitally from any location.

Exhibition History (CV)