Invited artist: NEIL HARRINGTON
Rock and Roll HEARTBURN
woodcut and resin
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I find inspiration in the storytelling of music. I strive to capture this magic in my artwork. In my heart of hearts, I would love to write and play music for others but I just do not possess that talent. It has been said that Rock and Roll is dead. It is still alive but aspects have become cliché. The Rock and Roll lifestyle gives the feeling of a delicious but greasy meal that you keep coming back to – you love the initial taste but the agonizing heartburn will soon follow.
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Neal Harrington was born in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1973. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (emphasis in painting) in 1998. Mr. Harrington then recently married, followed his wife to graduate school in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated in 2001 with a Master of Fine Arts degree (emphasis in printmaking) from Wichita State University. Currently Neal, Tammy and their two children live in Russellville, Arkansas.
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Artist Statement
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Even before moving south I was interested in the myth/Americana of Southern Music. My gateway to this culture was the Blues, then Folk, Bluegrass, and the classic Country that my parents played constantly while I was growing up.
This series of prints create a narrative/storytelling content that I find continually fascinating, emphasizing my vision about the human condition. I am particularly inspired by myths, legends, and tall tales glorifying and elevating everyday events to new perspectives. Before embarking on any journey, I make sure that my compositions contribute to the overall idea, whether it is humor, sadness, isolation, passion, the power of a good composition is really my strongest attribute.
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