Rob Shetterly : People Who Tell the Truth

Rob Shetterly's short visit was surprisingly insightful; he had a lot of philosophies and opinions that were really bold and unconventional. Initially, he talked about his surrealistic origins in art, which is what initially grabbed my interest as he spoke about how he had conversations with art and artists, responding to their intentions and meanings of their work, through his paintings. He then went on to explain his "People Who Tell the Truth" project, that portrays many historic and current social activists or leaders that change the wrongdoings that America has created. They are raw and express the individuals views and goals. In contrast to traditional portraits, it leaves out the unnecessary elements such as decoration or possessions that the person had, proving their high class status. That direction is not what he was going for as the actual person, their soul, and their mind is much more important. Another interesting statement he had was "don't be impatient", relating to the process of art. He explained how inspiration comes from this process and therefore produces something more meaningful and powerful.