Painter hopes to spark thought

Indianapolis Star
10:10 AM, Sep 23, 2010
By T.J. Banes

A plastic “thank-you” bag floating in midair is enough to evoke a feeling that Brian Myers wants to share with others.

The graduate of Herron School of Art uses painting to convey social messages about the environment.

One series depicting tree stumps is titled “Land Management;” another of paper airplanes in a blue sky is titled “Drifters.” His latest works include large-scale public murals, one on display at the Chicago O’Hare branch of the Intercontinental Hotel Chain.

Myers has exhibited at the Midwest Museum of Contemporary Art, the Harrison Center for the Arts and the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. He is the recipient of the Efroymson Contemporary Art Fellowship and the Harry A. Davis Outstanding Faculty Award.

“In general, I’m inspired to create works that respond to my environment,” said Myers, who teaches foundation courses in drawing and painting at Herron. “I’m hoping viewers can respond to their actions in their physical environment in an introspective way. I want to give the viewers reason to pause and meditate.”

No stranger to the art world, Myers grew up with a studio in his childhood home. His mother, Carol L. Myers, a mixed-media artist, occupies space in the Stutz Building, and his father, Stephen Myers, is a photographer.

“I was raised in an environment where the arts were always supported and encouraged. Mom had a studio space in the back of the house when I was growing up, so the smell of paints and erasers was part of my life,” said Myers.

As a professional, Myers said, his greatest challenge is marketing his work.

“I think the Stutz residency program is relatively high-profile. The artists as a group do a great job of promoting themselves, and being part of that is going to offer a focal point for my work,” he said.

From an early age, Myers, who enjoys camping, hiking and sailing, has maintained a deep interest in the outdoors and nature. He was a Boy Scout until the age of 16 and spent time after high school hiking in the mountains and along the West Coast.

“There’s a general awe of the landscape,” he said. “I think art can be purely decorative or analytical. I like my work to be visually pleasing, but accessible and proactive.”

Here’s his artist statement about the show:

My recent paintings are of paper airplanes, to-go bags, and toy airplanes, set adrift in atmospheric sky scenes. My earlier still life paintings focused on arrangements of everyday objects like umbrellas and paper airplanes painted directly from life as they lay on the studio floor. In the recent work these objects are placed in a context where they begin to take on movement and meaning of their own. I have always been drawn to make images that suggest human experience and portray a sense of absence, like empty chairs or discarded toys. To me the airplanes and bags in the sky are expressions of liberation or grace and suggest the fleetingness of life.

The show ends April 22.

I came to know founder Jeff Martin though a mutual friend and would regularly attend openings at his gallery back in the day. He asked me to join the board of Primary Colours in 2005, and when the need for a paid staff person arose, the board decided that I was uniquely qualified to fill the position.

Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I earned an AB in English from Wabash College and an MSJ from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

So, how did a writer get involved in a visual arts nonprofit?

I was brought on board primarily to help with writing grants and communications for its events. Whether they be visual artists, musicians, or writers, creative people keenly observe our world and have an innate ability to solve problems. Oh, and I have long had an abiding love of the arts.

What’s your vision for the organization?

If you look at the cities that are strong and growing, they all have a vibrant cultural scene. To acheive this goal, I feel developing meaningful partnerships and mutual relationships is crucial. Primary Colours strives to help emerging artists showcase their talents and to educate and nurture their audience.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I volunteer as an assistant swim coach for Wabash College and as an advisor to my fraternity there, Phi Delta Theta. I like to write fiction and nonfiction essays. I love to watch movies and hang out with my friends. And I swim to keep in shape.

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Almost three years now.

What’s your day job?

I work for the IUPUI, Herron School of Art. I’m a foundations instructor and shop technician.

Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I actually graduated from Herron with a degree in painting.

What is your artistic medium of choice?

Oils.

Why do you contribute your time to Primary Colours?

Over past few years, I have participated in the three main Primary Colours events: Art vs. Art, Allotropy, and Toys.
I enjoy being on the organizational side of these events because they offer great opportunities for artists while enriching  the local community.

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