Faces and the Crowd Premieres

FACES AND THE CROWD began as a collection of individual heads; each one different from the others; each speaking a truth in the set of the mouth; each pair of expressive eyes evoking a unique response. Individually, they are striking; as a series of framed collections, they are mesmerizing, taking the viewer inward to the faces that have populated his or her own life.

In a recent interview, local artist Dru Chichester gave a bit of insight into the process of creating this collection, “I am excited about these heads – they literally flowed out of me. At first, I tried hard to “get into their heads” but then I put my brain aside and just let it flow. Sometimes the brush does things on it’s own. And I have finally learned to let it. It was a totally unique experience for me.

When I had 70 heads stacked up, I figured it was time to bring them to my framer, David Pratt in Kittery. I worked hard to arrange them in a way that made some sense while keeping the flow. And when it was done, I realized that what I had created was a cross-section of humanity. For me, it says simply that we are on a crowded planet and we can all co-exist.”

When did your creative juices start flowing?

“When I was young, I had a very vivid imagination and, of course, there were monsters under the bed in my room. I wrote stories back then; my family and friends described me as the hero of my own novels.

The first time I realized I had a gift for art was when my classmates asked me to do some artwork on their brown-bag book covers. In high school, I got 2 A’s - one was in art history. I would stare for hours at a piece of art, trying to absorb every nuance. I got what the artist was trying to convey.

Whenever I pick up a brush, painting becomes a meditation in that I have complete focus on one thing. It is an escape, a comfort. It gives me a sense of personal worth. In the end, I am energized if the work is good. If it’s not, I’m frustrated because I know I can do better. But good day or not, art gives my life meaning when it’s hard to find any meaning.”

When asked which artists he admires, Chichester mentally scrolls through what seems to be a long list. “I admire so many artists! Giorgio Morandi did incredible still life. He could take a mundane subject and infuse it with mystery and sensuality. There is something very soothing about his work. He dedicated his life to his art. I understand that.

I used to be crazy about Picasso but over the past couple of decades I have changed and now consider his work as harsh. For the past several years, since that change, friends have told me that I am a lot nicer to be around. I am more sensitive and lyrical and my work reflects that. You can’t paint what you don’t know or what you are not.”

Does being in love affect creativity?

“I believe it does. It opens up sensitivity in a lot of ways. Having someone that you can trust, you can talk to, or be quiet with enhances my life so it also enhances my work. My partner Diane is very supportive and, believe me, sometimes that’s not easy.” Chichester laughs as a smile lights up his bayou-blue eyes

Is everyone is capable of some form of artistic expression?

“All humans are conduits for energy. Art allows me to process that energy creatively. I feel a sense of accomplishment to be able to provoke thought, create order out of the chaos in the world, in my head, in my heart. That’s what I’m here to do. That’s what we’re all here to do. When you become a co-creator in life, you are a gift to the world.”

FACES AND THE CROWD - a one-man art show featuring the recent works of local artist Dru Chichester opens on Thursday, December 8^th  and continues through the month of December.  Come meet and speak with Chichester at the Rosewood Reception from 5pm- 8pm in the Rosewood Mall Art Gallery, 150 Lafayette Road in Rye.  
The reception will also feature world-class hors d’oeuvres artistically and deliciously prepared by Chichester.
His artwork will be on display from 8:30 am – 10:00 pm, Monday – Sunday, until December 31^st.

For more information, call 603-964-9700