David Cooke explores the juxtaposing of familiar shapes in primarily paint media. As described by Helen Cullinan, art critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "Cooke does wildly colorful and sharply defined acrylic-on-canvas..." Prior to this show, Cooke was exploring farm architecture as a metaphor for urban landscapes by using 44" square canvas that were inspired by Polaroid formats (white borders) that allow the artist to add additional sketches and notes. There is also a series of smaller canvases that are primarily details from the farm landscape series.
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In his artist statement, David says:
"My newest paintings are portraits of four people who have had a measurable effect on my life. Instead of painting literal and accurate portraits (with heads, faces, etc.), I have created images that tell human stories, using symbolism, to create 'personal characterizations'.
"My muse for this series was Jean-Michel Basquiat who used consistently repeated symbols to describe himself.Because I am a right-handed artist, I painted most of the Basquiat series left-handed to give me a new freedom of creative expression.
"My former teacher, 'surrogate mother' and close friend (Franzee Dolbeare) is depicted in a series of paintings that combines images from her own artwork (paintings and fiber art), with writings from her diaries and personal objects (eyewear, china and decorative objects).
"My only brother (Rodney Cooke), who is now deceased, is represented by puzzles. Obsessed in his life by any word game, jigsaw puzzle or puzzle-like game, he continues to challenge me to really know who he was and understand our relationship as brothers.
"The fourth set of portraits is of a close friend (James Rader) who showed me acceptance at a challenging time in my life. Business associate, sportsman and friend, Jim is depicted with symbols from his career, his hobbies, and his faith.
"The canvases presented in this show have allowed me to personally explore and re-connect with these significant people in ways which honor them."
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David F. Cooke, a Columbus native and graduate of Hanover College (Hanover, IN) is a Principal in Design Collective Incorporated, an interior architectural firm specializing in office, restaurant, and senior living projects. Cooke lives in Italian Village. Design Collective Incorporated 151 East Nationwide Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: 614-464-2880
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