The Art of Getting Lost

"Blue Highways" mixed media by Richard Fudge 8"x8"

Artist Statement:

I am currently developing a new series. "The Art of Getting Lost" was inspired by the writings of Rebecca Solnit and William Least Heat-Moon. In this series, I am exploring the themes about being lost, getting lost, losing yourself, losing a loved one, finding yourself, and finding hope. So often we are afraid of "getting lost." We avoid this by never stepping out of our comfort zone and having an adventure. But it's through our journey of exploration, trials, and even suffering that we are transformed. I want these paintings to be a guide for the viewer. I want the viewer to get lost in the painting as they find connections and explore the layers of meaning. For the painting to be a sign post, encouraging the viewer who is going through hell to keep going. You will make it out the other side.

I am using collage materials such as dress patterns, road maps, and medical illustrations. By placing these together the view can see similarities between the network of roads on a map and arteries in the body. I am working on some larger pieces that include my character Chester and other pieces will include hand lettering. 

Art Opening - To be determined - Venue needed:

Since I am still working on the paintings, I do not have a gallery space lined up. My goal is to have the series completed by February 2016. If you think this would be a good fit for your gallery or coffee shop etc., please contact me. 

Follow the progress:
I actively post pictures of the process on my instagram page.
You can also check out my pinterest board the artwork styles and quotes that are influencing my work.

                Follow Richard's board The Art of Getting Lost on Pinterest.   

Save the Date: Art of Caring

Saturday, August 28th 

5:30p - 7:30p

The Art of Caring
@ the Clark Opera Memphis Center
6745 Wolf River Boulevard

Art of Caring is a reception and silent art auction that benefits the Baptist Trinity Hospice House and the Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. This year the event is taking place in an exciting new venue. I hope that you'll make your calendar and consider joining me. This year I'm donating another large piece from my To Send a Prayer series.

"Release" by Richard Fudge

2010 - mixed media, acrylic

24"x48" on wood panel

To purchase tickets or for more information about Art of Caring, please call 901-227-7123
or email jay.atkinson@bmhcc.org

Painting of the Week Sale - Week 4

At the end of May, I'm headed on a long roadtrip. Also, I'm working on a lot of new work, but I've got quite a bit of old work sitting around. So to free up some space in the house and have some money for roadtrip souvenirs, during May I will be posting a PAINTING OF THE WEEK with a lower price on that piece for that week only. Shipping is extra.

Week #4

Serene - 24"x30" - Richard Fudge 2007 - acrylic medium

Normally $400. This week it's $325.

You can email me at richard.fudge@gmail.com if you're interested. Thank you!

Fudge around town - Germantown Community Theatre

To Send a Prayer series & other works by Richard Fudge are currently on display at the Germantown Community Theatre. 

Newly completed piece "Diverge" on display.

Located at:
3037 Forest Hill Irene Road
(near Poplar Ave and Forest Hill Irene intersection) 
Germantown, TN 38138-7821

Painting of the Week Sale - Week 3

At the end of May, I'm headed on a long roadtrip. Also, I'm working on a lot of new work, but I've got quite a bit of old work sitting around. So to free up some space in the house and have some money for roadtrip souvenirs, during May I will be posting a PAINTING OF THE WEEK with a lower price on that piece for that week only. Shipping is extra.

Week #3

Crosses and Squares - 30"x24" - Richard Fudge 2008 - acrylic medium

Normally $375. This week it's $280.

You can email me at richard.fudge@gmail.com if you're interested. Thank you!

Painting of the Week Sale - Week 2

At the end of May, I'm headed on a long roadtrip. Also, I'm working on a lot of new work, but I've got quite a bit of old work sitting around. So to free up some space in the house and have some money for roadtrip souvenirs, during May I will be posting a PAINTING OF THE WEEK with a lower price on that piece for that week only. Shipping is extra.

Week #2

Guarded Heart - 24"x30" - Richard Fudge 2007 - acrylic medium

Normally $375. This week it's $280.

You can email me at richard.fudge@gmail.com if you're interested. Thank you!

Weekly Deals in May

At the end of May, I'm headed on a long roadtrip. Also, I'm working on a lot of new work, but I've got quite a bit of old work sitting around. So to free up some space in the house and have some money for roadtrip souvenirs, during May I will be posting a PAINTING OF THE WEEK with a lower price on that piece for that week only. Shipping is extra.

Week #1

Peace in the Valley - 20"x16" - Richard Fudge 2007 - acrylic medium

Normally $200. This week it's $150.

You can email me at richard.fudge@gmail.com if you're interested. Thank you!

Art show and live painting at Downtown Presbyterian

This Friday during the South Main Trolley Art Tour, I will be showing some works at Downtown Presbyterian Church and doing a live painting.

Friday 6p-9p
Downtown Presbyterian
525 South Main St.
(next to Ernestine and Hazel's)
parking is going to be trickier with the music festival, but you should be able to find a free spot in the South Main area.

On a related note, I was concerned about whether or not this Friday would be a good art night what with the music festival and all, but I picked up the current issue of the Memphis Flyer. There is a lot of good art openings happening tonight. I think it will be an excellent night, but i would advise you to try to detour around the Beale and Union area of downtown. That's going to be very congested.

Now if i could just make up my mind about what I'm going to paint tomorrow night.

See you there,
Fudge

Nearing completion - Cross #8 16"x20"

Cross #8 (almost completed) - acrylic - 16" x 20" - $170 plus shipping if required

I've got another of my another of my popular cross paintings nearly finished. These tend to sell pretty quickly if you're interested. I sold one in Dec and another as recently at the end of March. I try to keep one in stock at all times. This puppy brings home the bacon so I can buy more paint and other supplies for new concepts and paintings.

This Year I'm going Pro

That's right. I'm going Pro. Not in football or some other sport, but as an artist. Ok, I'm not quitting my day job, it's not that drastic or daring. But at least I've now got corporate sponsorship - sorta. I just signed on for the largest painting I've ever done. Two 4 ft by 6 ft canvases combined to create one massive painting. I'm going to need a bigger easel (hah, when i read this i think of "you're going to need a bigger boat"). I ordered the custom canvas yesterday, and will be placing an order with cheapjoes.com for other supplies soon.

Not Alone – proposed set for a grief counseling center for children. This is just a rough sketch.

Also in the "i cant believe im doing this" art news, I'm working on a children's book with 2 very talented writers based on my "To Send a Prayer" series. The thing is. I have to create like 15 new paintings at a size that is better suited for the book's layout. In 4-6 months, I should be able to sell you a book that I illustrated. Crazy! 

I have one of my 12"x36" paintings that I sold through Facebook and need to ship to.... wait for it... Sierra Madre, CA. Does that make me a nationally known artist?  ;)   - Update, so I went to Fedex at the suggestion of Deeann Rieves who ships her work all the time. I couldnt find a good box so I just took the painting there and hoped they had one. they did have one for paintings but it was huge! We boxed it up using that box and then weighted it and figured the shipping. It was going to be 100 bucks. After I picked myself off the floor, i suggested we cut down the box and try again. It took at lot of work (on the Fedex girl's part not mine. I just supervised.) but we got cut the box down to about a third of the original size. At the new size, it was only going to cost 30 and that included the box i purchased. WIN

Now I just need to get commissioned to illustrate a favorite band's cover art (just give me a call Over The Rhine, Avett Brothers, Amber Rubarth, A Fine Frenzy, I'll be happy to cut you a deal. hey if we're going to pretend, let's shoot for the moon.) Or I could be represented by a fancy art gallery. It'd have to be something pretty BIG to top what's already happened. I've pretty much surpassed any expectations or goals I had set for myself this year. 

Fudge around town

A friend pointed out to me that I've got art hanging all around town but I haven't even made mention of it to hardly anyone. It's not a big deal to me since none of the work is new. But I guess that it is noteworthy that I'm hanging at 3 different locations right now.

Samuel's Furniture and Interiors  
The location in East Memphis at 5508 Poplar Avenue has 4 pieces of my work on display.

Starbucks @ Germantown Pkwy. & Trinity Rd
My favorite Starbucks in town has 4 pieces of my work on display. Why is it my favorite? It's not because they display my work, but because I have a bunch of friends who work there so I usually get a hug with my coffee.


and of course, The Stirring Art Gallery at Hope Church
I've got quite a few back in the gallery along with many other Stirring artists' works. It's going to be a nice collection and you should come check it out and our Maundy Thursday service. Speaking of which, 8 other artists and myself created paintings for this service. But that's all I can tell you about that. 

True Colors - Maundy Thursday service at The Stirring
Thursday, April 1 - 6pm and 8pm
How do you appear to people?
Do you appear put together on the outside, but it’s secretly all you can do to get out of bed in the morning? Why do we try to paint ourselves as something different than what we truly are?


Join us at The Stirring for our special Maundy Thursday service and discover the power to reveal the true you. Worship led by the The Stirring Band and a message by Eli Morris.Communion will be served in The Stirring’s unique style.

Anti-Valentines Day Art

I know that Valentines Day has come and gone. But I wanted to share with you some of the drawings and doodles I made around that time. I noticed my doodles had taken on a theme. So for those of us who'd rather say  "F you" than "Be Mine"  enjoy my art therapy / anger management. ;)

Fudge now on Flickr

Ignite - relighting the creative flame

Ignite - just a rough and quick color study

Required listening - Pilot by Amber Rubarth

"Fuel is just a leak without a flame to heat it up inside.

I need a spark to ignite my pilot light."

I'll be honest. I'm going through a rough period in my life. If you're not feeling joy and passion in your life, it's hard to find the passion to do art. It seems like a mountain of "more important" things pile up. And I don't care for painting when it's soo cold out. But I need to get out of this funk. Time to pick up the brush and get to it.

So i took some Christmas money and bought Give Up the Ghost by Brandi Carlile. And let me say I dont know what works for you but for me, this is a funk buster!

I want to share with you some of the lyrics from the album:

I know the darkness pulls on you

but it's just a point of view

When you're outside looking in

you belong to someone.

When you feel like giving in

or the coming of the end

like your heart could break in two

someone loves you

- Looking Out

Now I'm lost in a sea of sunken dreams

while the sound of drunken screams echoes in the night

But i know this will all come to pass

- Dying Day

All your mountains turn to rocks

All your oceans turn to drops

They are nothing like you thought

You can't be something you are not

Life is not a looking glass

Don't get tangled in your past like I am learning not to

- Pride and Joy

Say it ain't so, say I'm happy again.

Say it's over, say I'm dreaming.

Say I'm better than you left me.

Say you're sorry, I can take it.

- Before It Breaks

Last night I had this cranked up "to 11." Wrapped up in the music, i kicked everything else out of my mind and did some work that really was important to me. Thanks, Brandi.

2010 Art Goals #1 Art and worship road trip

So tis the season to think and plan for the new year. Ever since I started mailing around the prayer journals and created a map of Artsy Churches, a massive road trip has been brewing in the back of my mind. I feel that a REAL road trip must last about a week, include a decent number of states traveled through, and a visit to the coastline.

View Larger Map

Look at that monster. That's over 2,100 miles, over 35 hours on the road, and crossing through a dozen states. Now, before I can really do this, I need to replace my old 93 Civic Hatchback. Poor thing has over 170,000 miles and recently i smashed the front a little in a minor accident. My clunker would probably die before the trip was half way through.

So that's the first BIG hurdle.* I'm hoping to find a good used wagon like a Subaru Outback or Scion xB. I don't plan on traveling light - well, at least not by the end of it. Think about it. I might need to haul my live painting supplies if there's a chance i might paint at some churches along the way. or I might pick up some art along the way. or maybe i have a traveling art show to share at the churches i visit.

I need to save up enough vacation days at my day job. Also, need to save up the gas money etc needed. I'll need a camera for the documentation. Some good podcasts and audio books to listen to along the way are a must. I think a classic road trip requires some nights of car camping. I might need to buy a small tent and a sleeping bag. i'll be passing through the Smokey Mountains, and i know i'll wish i had spent a night camping there. A few nights of camping will of course save on the hotel costs. Also, i hope that a few artists will be open to allowing me to crash at their place while i travel through their area (please!).

*a friend pointed out that i should considering renting a car for the trip. hmm. that might not be a bad idea. i could rent a model that im interested in buying. it'd be like an extended test drive. hmm.

Fudge art update for 2009

As I approach the new year, I have been looking back over the past year for all the things I'm thankful for. Thank you so much for supporting me and my art. I can't tell you just how important it has been to me. This year has been a big one for me with many exciting firsts. So thought I'd post some summary sort of thing.

In the News:
Feb, Commercial Appeal, Hope Presbyterian service blends artistry, worship
We made the paper in part because of my writings about art and worship on my blog.
Sept., Germantown News, To Send a Prayer art show

Presentations on art and worship:
March, solo presentation, Tresvent Manor
May, solo presentation, Baptist Women's Hospital
Oct., Re:Creation - art conference, LifeLink Memphis

Live painting: 23 Total
January, Next Gen service, Highpoint Church -- 1 service
April-May, Resurrection Catholic Church -- 12 services
April, The Stirring -- 1 service
July, The Stirring -- 1 service
August, Baptist Women's Health Center -- 1 event
Sept., The Stirring -- 4 servies
Oct., The Stirring -- 3 services

Group Show Participation:
April, Impressions of the Cross, The Stirring Art Gallery
July, The Spirit of Growth Art Show, CrossRoad Church
August, Art of Caring, Baptist Foundation/Perry Nicole Fine Art galley
August, Help the Least of These fundraiser, Circa
August, Project Sketchbook, Rozelle Artists Guild
Sept, To Send a Prayer, The Stirring Art Gallery

Shows I managed at The Stirring Art Gallery:
April, Impressions of the Cross, artists: Kyle Holly and various Hope and Stirring artists
July, Bloom, artist: Jana Joplin
Sept., To Send a Prayer, artists: Arian Armstrong, Richard Fudge, and various Hope and Stirring artists
Nov., Atonement, artists: Brittney Owens and Deeann Carson

Art Projects:
To Send a Prayer - a sermon series and art exhibit that I'd been working on basically since January.

Visual Prayer Journals - 3 journals that are being mailed to artists around the country and filled with illustrated expressions of prayer. you can see the different drawings here: http://2sendaprayer.blogspot.com/

Fund-raising:
Art of Caring, Baptist Foundation, donated "Release" which sold for $1400
Help the Least of These, donated "Diverge" and "Cross #6" which sold for $500
Painted a large collection box for Resurrection Catholic Church to use in food drives, clothing drives, etc.

I gave the Phoenix Club permission to use a photo of a painting that I created at Resurrection. About 60% of every purchase goes directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis and is therefore tax-deductable. If you want to order some, use this link below. http://www.phoenixclub.org/shop/mary-and-child-greeting-card-2009/

Susan E. Isaacs likes my art. :)

So last evening, I attended Donald Miller and Susan Isaacs book tour stop at Hope church here in Memphis. amillionmiles.com It was a great evening. Susan Isaacs is the author of Angry Conversations with God. She's sorta like a cross between Anne Lamott and Amy Sedaris, another author and a comedienne that I really like. So please take that as a compliment, Susan.

Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky but Authentic Spiritual Memoir by Susan E. Isaacs (Author)

So after her performance that is based on her book, there was an intermission and she was signing books in the lobby. I waited in line and got my copy signed. I was too embarrassed to really introduce myself. Sure we had exchanged like 2 emails, but who's going to remember that. "Hey Susan, Do you remember me. I'm Richard Fudge." Yeah, right. She's a nationally published author on a 65 city book tour.

A little while later, I work up the nerve to tell her that we have an art gallery here at Hope and that there are a couple of pieces that I did that were directly inspired by her book. I'm thinking she's busy, will think its sweet, but won't really care. But no, she got all excited. She asked me for my name again and I said Richard Fudge. Then Susan said, "Oh Richard FUDGE! Oh why didn't you say so the first time. I'd love to see your paintings and can I get a picture of you in front of it."

I was floored. Susan Isaacs literally just squealed my name. I mean come on! I'm just an average artist. I've been in few galleries. I'm not a big deal. So she was all excited and ready to go see the paintings, but Donald Miller was about to begin his talk. So we planned to meet afterward to visit the gallery.

After Donald Miller spoke, I went out to find Susan. She had already visited the gallery (how she found it I dont know). She was all excited about the work and was just full of encouragement and support. As we walked to the gallery, I explained the where the inspiration had come from etc.

We got to the gallery and took turns taking photos in front of my paintings. She asked if it was okay to post on her twitter and facebook accounts. Heck, yeah. I also showed her one other painting of mine a small piece titled "WHY!?". It was also inspired by her book. She loved it and offered to buy it.



Later that evening, Susan send me this email:

Hi Richard

I was so glad to see you tonight. It was a real privilege to see your work, and I’m honored that the book inspired you. I’m so thrilled to get your painting, too! I let my husband know to look for it in the near future. I posted your pics on my facebook, and tweeted about it.

One woman really liked the “Hey God!” painting, and I let her know it was for sale.

Anyway, I really enjoyed meeting you. And I really do hope you submit to International Arts Movement. I know a few people there. Well besides Mako .. Christy Tennant and Mark Meehan. They’re great. You need to get your work out there.

Thanks again, tonight was a terrific evening.

Susan

----

How stinking cool is that! I'll be smiling for days because we met.

A Christmas Card by Fudge for a good cause

Are you looking for the perfect holiday card this season? Do you like art by Richard Fudge? Do you like to donate to good causes? Have I got the card for you then! This is how the color should look. (The image on their website has off colors.) Anyway, i think it's very exciting.


http://www.phoenixclub.org/shop/mary-and-child-greeting-card-2009/

Richard,
Our Greeting Card season has started. If you go to http://www.phoenixclub.org/

you can click to order cards (including yours). Please feel free to send this link out to all. Remember, about 60% of every purchase goes directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis and is therefore tax-deductable (.60 for every $1).

When you click on your card to order, you will see some options available. It will also have your bio listed below your artwork (and on the back of the cards). Please remember to put my name in the box title "Phoenix Member".

Again, feel free to share this opportunity with as many people as possible. Thank you again for using your talents to help us raise money for the Boys and Girls Club!

Ken Peavy

Fudge on South Main with Project Sketchbook

Another project I got involved with.


Project Sketchbook is a mail-art project created by the Rozelle Artists Guild and sponsored by Memphis College of Art. Over this past summer, they have distributed over 100 4x5inch, 12 page, handmade sketchbooks to artists & writers in Memphis and abroad. The finished sketchbooks will be on display at an exhibition on Friday, August 28th, 2009 at 511 S. Main from 6-9PM. The best pages will be compiled into a book. If you're interested in having a sketchbook mailed to you, contact RAG at rozellehouse@gmail.com. The deadline for finished sketchbooks is August 14th, 2009. You can check out more info. about Rozelle Artists Guild & Project Sketchbook at rozelleartistsguild.org.

Here is my sketchbook. It's sort of a "Fight Club" themed book. It's expressions of frustration. It's not that i hate my job, its fine. but i do occasionally dislike being a grown-up with all the responsibilities, trappings, and stuff.

"Release" - by Richard Fudge for Art of Caring 2009

The deadline for Art of Caring 2009 is quickly approaching, and I need to finish up my painting. 

This is the prayer that I painted on the canvas before beginning. 

This year sounds like its going to be the best one yet. The Perry Nicole Fine Art galley and art curator Jana Travis are going to host the event. I think there is some other new things this year as well, but I cant locate any details at this time.

I'm hoping that I'll get to hang with all the cool artists this time. The professional artists and the featured "Memphis Masters" get to hang in the Perry Nicole gallery. Everyone else gets set up on tables and easels in the walkway of the mall (not so cool). The last two years, I've been in the walkway which is fine. I'm not a professional, in a bunch of galleries, $1000+ a painting, sort of artist... yet. 

This year I'm hoping to make the cut. First, I'm going BIG. No more 16"x20" paintings. I am donating a 24"x48" sucker. That's something I'd probably price at $600-700 (Possibly higher. People love this image). But being big is not the only advantage, it's in perfect tune with the Camp Good Grief message and experience. This painting is going to grab your heart strings with both hands if you have ever been involved with the camp. I'm so excited about sharing this with others and raising money for the camp.

Here we are at about 80% complete.

Jay said, "Man! This is so cool! Richard, that your picture does what words are inadequate to do, in explaining camp, its awesome!"

Please join Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation for

Art of Caring 2009 

A reception and silent art auction to benefit 

Baptist Trinity Hospice House and

The Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief

Sat. August 22nd from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Chickasaw Village Oaks Mall 3092 Poplar Ave