We arrived at the college (Stony Brook Southampton) just in time to hear 85-year-old artist Richard Mayhew offer some remarks about his deeply colored, deeply felt and richly imagined landscape paintings. More than a dozen large pictures glowed from the gallery while he spoke. Rich apricot, purples and passionate reds fill the squares of the frames. Paint is handled with great subtly and sensitivity, a “spiritual sensitivity,” Mayhew would say. He paints “from the gut.” Painting is a “spiritual commitment,” Mayhew explained. “It’s a way of being involved with the creative function of life.” Mr. Mayhew grew up in Amityville, studied art in New York and in Europe and now lives in California. Part of me is always here, he said of the Island he calls home. Lance Gumbs of the Shinnecock Nation presented Mr. Mayhew with a ceremonial pendant made of precious metals and wampum. Mayhew is of African American and Native American ancestry. He credits his grandmother with encouraging his artistic gifts. And these gifts are prodigious. The exhibition is on view in the Avram Gallery through March 21. Don’t miss it!
Luminous landscapes of Richard Mayhew
Published February 1, 2009 painting , Uncategorized 1 CommentTags: African American painters, Native American painters, painting, Richard Mayhew
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Sounds like an awesome experience. His landscapes are so incredible. You can sort of tell he grew up around a lot of water because of the luminosity of his landscapes. Thanks for sharing!