Jackson, Wy
June 11 - 25 2024
In this new collection of paintings, Rocky Hawkins explores a multi-layered fictional narrative of The 13 Truths. Each painting is embellished with a symbol that represents one of these honorable Truths or qualities. These symbols or characters are Rocky’s own depictions inspired from ancient forms of writing and communication kindred to Shodo, Japanese calligraphy. The characters are paired with a suitable representation in each painting in which it is entitled.
These imagined pieces exhibit influences of a historic and extraordinary type of Japanese painting called Ukiyo-e (paintings from the floating world) where patterns and designs are entangled with nature, animals, figures and heroes. The Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi (perfectly imperfect) is also evident. He then weaves these expressions into his own identifiable contemporary style. West Meets East if you will!
DEEP TIME WANDERERS
SCOTTSDALE AZ
FEBRUARY 13 - 24 - 2024
Set in surreal abstract landscapes with colors not true to nature, wanderers appear in an imaginative dimension. They seem to be making their way beyond the borders of reality into a mystical journey. As they roam they encounter unforeseen surroundings.
“This collection of new paintings takes me as the painter and you as the viewer into unknown territory. Each piece although unique in itself, is set in a surreal landscape conjuring up all kinds of unexplained mysteries. Enjoy the ride!!!!!”
Rocky
click on photo to see video of exhibition
ODYSSEY - H
The mystery of unknowing. The electricity of juxtaposition. The equipoise achieved through struggle. Rocky Hawkins harnesses the expressionistic core of nature in search of peace and quiet amid energetic abstractions. His decades-long quest to paint horses in a transformative style true to their characters and his own has “given rise to knowledge and understanding of this incredible animal and myself as a painter.”
“My approach to painting—and creativity in general—has always been nontraditional,” he says. “I never duplicate reality. I find the mysterious to be so much more interesting, not only for myself, but the viewer as well.” In lieu of detail, Hawkins offers empathetic marks. By his brush, he channels the wonder of living—as he does—in the American West. “My paintings express layers of connection: between the horse and the rider, between creatures and nature. The horse and the rider are not part of nature; they are nature. This concept follows the ancient yogic philosophy of: This is That and That is This.”
As such, the horse and the rider exist entwined with their enigmatic surroundings, their activity in concert with their conceptual context. Framed by force not by realism, his gestural paintings writhe with wisdom and beauty. Suggestions of forms—a lone rider, a resolute pine tree—paired with his decisive palette inspire personal, meditative interpretations. Eschewing plans, Hawkins struggles with his paintings, all while trusting they will eventually resolve themselves. This wrestling becomes essential to the work; a visible, kinetic aspect of their ultimate equilibrium.
In the presence of his paintings, Hawkins hopes the viewer feels the same connection to nature he experiences in his studio—nature as conduit to peace, beauty and quietude. “I hope my paintings issue an invitation to pause and take a moment to experience the energy inherent in the work,” he says. “Forging a connection to calm, silence and stillness is essential in this busy world we live in. To be conscious of that moment and to connect with the self and peacefulness can be liberating!”
Article by Katy Niner
ODYSSEY-H
Definition: A long series of exploration, transcendence, journeys and progression, filled with notable experiences and self discovery.
“My quest to paint the horse in a unique, transformative, juxtapose manner has given rise to knowledge and understanding of this incredible animal and myself as a painter. In this exhibition I explore non typical compositions, styles, color pallets while
remaining authentic with myself.”
"OF THIS EARTH"
ZEN HORSES
"The horse has been portrayed in rock and cave art for thousands of years and later regarded as an essential form of transportation. In my newest series entitled "Electric Horseman", I have taken this ancient icon and transcended the horse along with the rider into a modern, colorful and abstract depiction of one of the most enduring and recognizable images in art."
"Time Has Come Today" 60" x 60" oil on canvas
Group Show
VISIONS WEST CONTEMPORARY
"Mountain Standard Time"
June 2021
Denver CO, Bozeman & Livingston MT
CLICK IMAGE FOR SHORT VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
Ancient Future Series
“The concept of infinite space that contains objects of mass whether it be rock, ice or gases is a fascinating reality. It’s one of those things that we think we understand but remains mysterious. The presence of energy, lack of gravity, comets racing through space or giant spheres orbiting one another is something dreams are made of. Tension is a constant in the fact that one action causes a reaction.
In my most recent work I am revisiting a series I started 10 years ago. A timeless odyssey of perpetual rock created by some unknown cosmic event as it travels through time and space resulting in unexpected fictional consequences and symbols of communication. I sense an element of tension in each piece whether it be defying gravity or pressure between weight and space. Yet there is almost a meditative quality as one allows themselves to enter into the profound silence.
I have used a combination of mixed media to create these paintings including applying sand on some of the rocks giving them a life like dimensional quality. In some instances I have placed a cryptic shape, symbol or monolith resulting in a shocking paradox of the ancient and the futuristic.”
CLICK ON IMAGE
TO DOWNLOAD ARTICLE PUBLISHED
BY THE LEWIS AND CLARK JOURNAL AND
WRITTEN BY RUTH RUDNER
CREATIVE AWARENESS:
BEING FULLY PRESENT IN THE MOMENT OF ART
Art Retreat
September 10th 2019
full day art class at my studio
Ghost Wolf Ranch
Sponsored by
THE BOZEMAN ART MUSEUM
"ThunderHeart"
painting by Rocky Hawkins
Western Home Journal
Spring/Summer 2022
photo credit: Karl Neumann
"Vanishing"
painting by Rocky Hawkins
October 2019
Mountain Living Magazine
photo credit : Audrey Hall
"Ascension"
painting by Rocky Hawkins
November 2014
Mountain Living Magazine
ARTIST'S JOURNEY
a film by
Rocky Hawkins
COWBOY DREAMS
30" x 40"
mixed media on panel
click on image for
SHORT FILM
THE LOG a short film shot on location at Ghost Wolf Ranch. Click on image below or view on youtube - The Log - No Horse Films.
This is a story of the struggle of a lone homesteader enduring the difficult task of gathering firewood. Everyday is a new challenge on the frontier.
It is my first attempt creating a movie with music. I have always wanted to explore the art of film making.
Inspired by the creativity of David Lynch and other film makers has helped me to venture forward. With a limited budget and simple film equipment the challenge was difficult.
It has been said "Caution is the enemy of Art" so I proceeded with love and passion.
The hardship for a lone homestead women in the 1800's to obtain firewood was purely based on survival.
I shot at my "Ghost Wolf Ranch" and the town of "No Horse". I wanted to visually portray one such event,
the search and the physical struggle, the inner voice of frustration and determination, the triumph and thoughts of the future ahead.
I'm grateful for the discovery of the musical artists I have mentioned in the credits which really set the mood for this film.
I hope you enjoy it and gain an artful moment and appreciation of connecting with nature.
"Keep The Spirit"
Rocky
