Jim Mathis is a photographer. For Mathis, his role as an artist is to "communicate visually an emotion or feeling, especially one that can't easily be expressed with words." To understand Mathis's practice more, we asked him a series of questions before the exhibition. The following are his replies:
What comes first – the medium or the message?
The message is the main thing. It all starts with a statement that needs to be made. The works on view are 16 x 20" black & white as well as color photographs of objects that loudly speak to me and possibly others as well.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
My role is to communicate visually an emotion or feeling, especially one that can't easily be expressed with words.
What influences your practice/works?
I have been a visual person all of my life. I look at a lot of art in museums as well as magazines, books, and advertising.
Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration? And what about their works do you like?
I am particularly drawn to some of the famous photographers of the twentieth century, starting with Ansel Adams, but also Yousef Karsh, Phillip Halsman, and Dorothea Lange. I like their work because it is direct, you know what they were trying to say.
What other writings do you recommend reading to have a better understanding of your artworks and your art practice/process?
Exhibition is supported in part by Fringe Festival KC. KC Fringe started with a mission to connect adventurous artists with adventurous audiences and keep it affordable. And 12 years later we're still doing it! Check them out at kcfringe.org. For more information on the artist, visit http://jimmathis.zenfolio.com/.
