Dynamite
Elmer Lopez and Cameron McAfee

Artists’ Statement:  You may feel like you are the same person today as you were yesterday or even the same person now as you were a moment ago, but this is not so.

Every experience adds to your personality and changes you either slightly or significantly. This is true also in the art-making process. Every day we created these pieces we would approach the same canvas or drawing with a new perspective or approach. It is a compounding effect and every moment a new spark of consciousness changes the recipe that is us.

This is exemplified in our works. Elmer demonstrates with his daily doodles the idea of spontaneous creation. He uses a consistent concept and runs it through the filter of what he is feeling on that day and whatever comes to mind is embedded into the piece. Cameron shows the same thing through his mix of representational and abstract works. The portraits show a direct reflection on the mood of a current moment while the abstract paintings tackle the entirety of this concept head-on.

Every moment our consciousness sparks to make up our experience and if we are mindful of this our potential is endless. With that spark,

DYNAMITE!

Elmer Lopez-Duran is an artist with specialized experience using a variety of mediums and techniques. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and minored in Business at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. Elmer also studied abroad at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin in Germany, Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute of China, and Shanghai University in China; learning new customs, cultural techniques, and mediums, which he implements in his work today. Growing up Elmer’s family relocated frequently, playing a huge role in both his life and his self-expression through art. Elmer continues to travel, observing and experiencing numerous cultures, languages, customs, and lifestyles. Further expressing how we are all connected with unique perspectives of life, Elmer intentionally rotates his art as he creates it. This adds unique characteristics and visuals that can often only be recognized when observed from different perspectives, requiring viewers to interact with the art, and encouraging curiosity and imagination.

Cameron McAfee is a fine artist from Louisville, KY, where he currently resides. He is a multifaceted artist who enjoys exploring a wide array of mediums and styles. He often uses abstract work to convey the more ethereal, and realism to bring these lofty concepts back down to earth and tackle the subjectiveness of the human experience. He received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kentucky. By majoring in art studio and minoring in digital media, Cameron was able to develop a competent level of craftsmanship in painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, graphic design, and more. He was able to study abroad in China and take classes at Shanghai University and the world renowned Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. This desire to experience the world along with his curiosity are what drive Cameron to continually strive to reach new levels in his art.