Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyle Rushing.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in rural North Carolina in the early 60s. Growing up in the country, I had a lot of free time. I often filled it with drawing and sketching. My early canvases were ruled paper from school or the occasional sheet of cardboard from a new shirt or underwear. My first 3 years of schooling were spent in segregated classrooms. But, my parents sent us to the ‘white’ school. It wasn’t until 4th grade that l had black classmates. There was in those early years that led me to even consider art as a pursuit. Art was the Mona Lisa and da Vinci. None the less, without any art instruction and nearly 40 years later, I embarked upon this artistic journey. In the last several years I have seen my work in galleries in Los Angeles, cities throughout the state and juried shows across the country. I was especially excited last year when a piece was accepted at an exhibition in North Carolina. Family and friends were able to come to the gallery to experience it. For some of them, it was their first time ever visiting a gallery. Priceless!
Please tell us about your art.
My pieces are almost exclusively figurative in nature. I create purely from passion. I consider myself a visual journalist and visual personal therapist. Many of the pieces prominently feature male subjects. I like to show them in personal, vulnerable moments. It gives the viewer a glimpse into moments not often publicly displayed. I hope that the work:
*allows viewers to see familiarity in their lives
*consider a viewpoint heretofore not considered
*gives glimpses of me
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
The internet and social media have both blessing and curse. Having your seen readily visible at people’s fingertips is fantastic. But it has also created an almost glut of content. I also think that while it can draw people in, it can also discourage people from seeing the ‘live’ piece.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am a member of TAG Gallery located at 5458 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. There is always a piece hanging in the members’ gallery. I will have a piece in an upcoming show at Ceres Galley located at 547 W 27th St #201 NY, NY. The show is June 19 – July 14. I have a solo show at TAG Gallery July 10 – August 4. You can see my work at www.lyleerushing.com and at IG: @artist_lyle
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lyleerushing.com
- Email: lyleerushing@gmail.com
- Instagram: artist_lyle
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