Every month The Tomato Head features new art, and with this March comes the work of Nicholas Hankins at the Knoxville restaurant. The collection of paintings and drawings will be on exhibit through April 1st.

Paintings and drawings by Nicholas Hankins

The artist statement for the show:

I love to create work that I can become engulfed in with passion and enthusiasm. When I paint, I seemingly become freed from the constraints of time and place. Sometimes, ideas flow from inspiration through my hands so fast it is akin to an out of body experience; as if I am watching someone else at work on my painting. It is this elusive and satisfying state that I strive for, to be at peace with myself and the world around.

Feeling a sense of uncertainty about process affirms that I’m pushing boundaries while enjoying the sense of play with materials and mark making. I feel the traditional disciplines which inform my work are easily accessible and invite the application of a narrative from the audience.

An interesting aside to my working process is that the final image may be the calculated realization of a goal or simply the vehicle I have employed to spark the impetus for experimentation. This ebb and flow of “play” and “work” is not only enjoyable for me, but I feel provides a range of work for viewers that stays refreshing and interesting.

The work of Vickie Kallies Lee will be available for viewing at the Maryville Tomato Head, through April 2nd.