Theodore Waddell
“Art is a reflection of the environment in which it is produced”. Whether an observation or more of a credo, it is a belief by which Theodore Waddell has always lived. He has been inspired by the very landscapes in which he has lived, predominantly those of Idaho and Montana.
“Idaho has different close vistas because of the mountains, also haze at times that can’t be explained and is difficult to paint. Montana has the broad open high Plains and crisp air that changes the light due to less humidity, making it hard to paint at times. There’s a great benefit from experiencing both environments. I love both places”.
His connection to place goes back as far as he can remember. As an artist, he has always been moved by the landscape in which he stands, and while he doesn’t consider himself a landscape artist, he must certainly produce some of the most inspiring works of the genre. Theodore‘s take on Western art is impressionistic, modern abstract, emotional, and subconscious. In many aspects that cannot be categorized, his portrait of his environment encompasses beauty and serenity.
~ Excerpts from A Daughter's Perspective by Theodore's daughter, Shanna Shelby, in Western Art & Architecture Spring/Summer 2010
Arin Waddell
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My artwork uses whimsy, bold color, and personal “icons” to challenge the imagination and inspire inquiry within each viewer about our collective disconnect from the natural world,
and perhaps from each other.
In the West, it is difficult not to obsess over and make art about our
compelling landscape. I have come to painting through a back door of concepts and metaphors gathered together like little stones from the path of my own history. In these visual stories – inspired from flora, fauna, friends, and family – the personal stretches out to become universal.
~ Artist statement from Arin Waddell