River Market ArtSpace

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Pat Larsen	The art that I create uses asphalt pavement and the calligraphy of the automobile as a point of departure. The inspiration was originally generated while out jogging. Not being a true runner, I was holding my head down and, while gasping for breath, I noticed how the pavement resembled the art of Jackson Pollock. It suddenly seemed strange that, here I was, in Conway, Arkansas running art which was reminiscent of one of the twentieth century’s most influential painters. It was then that it dawned on me to use this subject for an art form that has been referred to as “Asphalt Expressionism.”
My art is created outdoors, near to the highway where sand, pebbles, dirt, and refuse from the road are found. First I look for areas on asphalt pavement where there are interesting crevices. The paint is poured directly onto the road, smoothed out with a roller, and while the paint is still wet, a textural print is made directly from the surface. The paintings are often drug off of the road and picked up the next day. Once dry, the canvases are taped across the road so that on-coming, random cars can make their imprint. The canvases are brought back to my studio where I have developed a collection of automotive junk that can be employed in my art. I feel especially good when working outdoors amidst the stuff that I have accumulated. This is where the fun really comes into creating because things are added to my art intuitively as each piece is developed. Incorporating real items into the art adds integrity for it poetically brings to each piece a feeling for humanity without resorting to literal descriptions. I enjoy cutting wood for unusual stretcher frames and making sure that added items work well with the painted surface. Some of my best art comes through exploring new ideas and taking chances with unusual materials and media. I feel that the artist should be reconciled with the environment in which he exists, should work from within that space, and use it for one’s subject. The resulting art addresses the impact of my twenty-one childhood years spent in Port Arthur, Texas. It reflects the rust and decay of this seaport experience, the diversity nurtured though a multi-cultural society, and the good craftsmanship encouraged by a work ethic community. I also feel that my current art carries with it the enthusiasm and psychological mood as did the art created in New York during the 40s and 50s. Artists during this time were willing to strike out in new directions and challenge existing concepts. This had a great influence on the baby boom generation and I feel that I am indebted to my predecessors because in some ways my art represents a reaction to this period. I have studied art at Lamar University, Louisiana State University, Sam Houston State University, and at Stephen F. Austin State University. My wife of 40 years is Patricia Larsen and we have two wonderful children, Kim and Chris. We live in Conway, Arkansas where I have taught at the University of Central Arkansas for 38 years. Because of this long tenure working with painters over a 38 year period, I have taught numerous artists across the state and nation.

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