People, Places, & Things : Cravings | Ned Axthelm | Dress Rehearsal

Ned Axthelm

Dress Rehearsal

12"x9, oil on panel

Artist Statement

Identity is shaped by our desire to influence how we are perceived by others. This can be everything from an expression of our innermost self all the way to how we dress or what we find attractive.

I try to create a viewing experience which communicates an experience. By influencing where the eye is drawn to look, I can influence attention and interest towards certain subjects in the painting.

My current paintings explore the interactions between strangers in public spaces. With scenes that highlight the contradiction of being isolated while surrounded by others, these paintings portray flashes of empathetic connection. These interactions show our hopes for connection and our interest in each other. As viewers identify with the scenarios in the paintings, they are encouraged to see the people around them more fully.