‘Immediacy’ exhibit opening reception at CFA Friday

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 18, 2018

Submitted

Mark Stephenson’s opening reception Friday, Jan. 19, 6-8:30 p.m.

I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen.” Frederick Franck

In the summer of 2017 Mark Stephenson led a workshop at Center for Faith & the Arts based on Victor Franck’s “The Zen of Seeing: Seeing/Drawing as Meditation.” In that workshop the focus was on being in the moment and drawing what was in front of you. Often we don’t draw what we see, we draw what we think we see, what we expect to see. But to truly see the world, you have to take the moment you are in, draw what is there, and by drawing see the miracle of everyday objects.

“Immediacy” will feature works created by Mark Stephenson putting the principles of “The Zen of Seeing” into action. The show consists of preliminary sketches and finished works executed and completed within 90 minutes or so. As Mark says, “The idea behind this is to produce work that capitalizes on the immediacy of the inspiration I express through sketches, drawings, and paintings.”

Come join us as we present these new works by Mark Stephenson in the CFA galleries at 207 W. Harrison St. behind Haven Lutheran Church. Light refreshments will be served. At 7 p.m. Mark will give a talk about his work. Entertainment during reception by Destiny Stone. There is no charge for this event, but contributions to support the ongoing work of the Center for Faith & the Arts are gladly accepted.

Mark Stephenson is an artist who through a multi-faceted background, brings a unique perspective to his work. Largely self-taught, he finds inspiration from the work of the Great Masters as well as his interest in the inherent beauty of human dignity and expression, A graduate of Pfeiffer University, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Stephenson earned degrees in civil engineering and vocal performance.

With an initial plan to pursue a career as an opera singer, Stephenson relocated to New York City in the 1990s where he eventually began studying at the Art Students League with noted painters and sculptors Frank O’Cain, Leonid Gervitz, Ron Sherr and Leonid Lerman. He also was accepted into the copyists program at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Since returning to his home state of North Carolina, Mark has remained in demand as a portrait artist and frequent exhibitor in juried shows throughout the southeast. His work has been featured in several solo shows of prominence, most recently, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. In May of 2014, Mark was artist in residence at La Macina di San Cresci, Italy where he completed a body of work exploring the Tuscan landscape. He has been recognized by the Portrait Society of America, and has received grants from the Arts and Science Council, and the Rowan Arts Council (Cultural Development Grant). Mark’s work may be seen in institutions and private homes throughout the country, including Hood Theological Seminary, Pfeiffer University, and the University of NC at Greensboro.

 

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