The Museum of African American Art will open a unique exhibition featuring artists Eric Hall and Patrick Jewett on January 15, on view until March 12, 2017. And Still We Rise will feature paintings by Hall and sculptures by Jewett, which together provoke thought about history, progress, and accomplishments; and which inspire a sense of spirituality.
Eric Hall is a native Californian, who currently resides in Redlands, CA. I am an artist, says Hall. “For the past 32 years, I have made my living with paint brushes and pallet knives making smiles. I am a Dental Tech by trade; and the former Dental Technician for Nobel Biocare, heading Technical Support for the Americas.” A great part of his career has been in the field of Ceramic Esthetics, having earned a Certificate of Dental Technology in the discipline in 1999, and other Certificates along the way.
Hall proclaims, “I love art. I always have.” “As a child, I saw a movie about the life of Vincent van Gogh; and it set my course to a journey I’m still on.” Hall is passionate about art and art history. He said, “It is my good fortune to have traveled the world to see many great artistic works; including the regions where these works were created, and to learn how they were constructed” I was introduced to sculpting in college during my Dental Technician studies in the 80’s, says Hall. In my Maxio-facial reconstruction class, I learned to use oil base clay to reconstruct facial deficiencies prior to casting. This class opened my eyes to the world of sculpture. A good part of my early career in art was dedicated to sculpting and casting the human figure, says Hall. Along the way, I explored other art mediums, and expanded my interests. Today, I have been known to inter-mix several forms to achieve what my mind sees.”
“My personal philosophy for my art is that it be easy to view and fun to see. It should be enjoyable without thought, yet interpretive.”
Patrick Jewett was born and raised in San Bernardino, CA. His artistic development began with sculpting and drawing at an early age. His parents always encourage him to express his creativity. He has been a working artist for the last twenty-five years. Jewett says that exposure to diverse cultures had a stimulating effect on his artistic growth; and has been quite inspirational in what has become my life-long adventure in art. After graduating from high School, Jewett attended Valley College and Platt College of Design. He expresses the privilege of apprenticing with master sculptor Lawrence Noble; a devoted mentor who sought to pass on his experience and technique to his students. Jewett says that his art is reflective of his personal interest, such as wildlife, the human form, history, mythology and ancient cultures. Notable, his bronze sculptures pieces in this show capture the character of men and women who have made a positive difference in history.
