Adam Thurl Hewes
age: 47
occupation: artist
found: West Simsbury
No pun intended, but what drew you to becoming an artist?
When I was a kid I drew on any surface in front of me. In high school I took all the art electives available. It wasn't until my second year of college that I first considered painting. I studied art history and became fascinated with genres and the evolution of styles. I then began to see my own work as part of the entire progression of art. In other words, I started becoming consciously influenced by other artists and the works of art I encountered.
What don't they teach in art school that you had to learn for yourself?
How to develop methods to stay artistically active. For me it's important to always be creating no matter what the quality of the work is.
What is it like to live and work as an artist in Connecticut as compared to the time you spent living and working in California and Boston?
I've come full circle because I grew up and started making art here. There is a certain intimacy and understatement about Connecticut that I'm very comfortable with. I feel like I'm rooted in the landscape.
What influences your art, the focus of which remains exuberant abstract expressionism?
Nature. In particular, various qualities of water. The rhythms of reflected lines on the surface, the translucency or opacity of the colors through the seasons, and the textures of the bottom seen through different depths is what affects my work presently.
What is the riskiest thing you've ever done?
I did some risky skiing in my younger days.
When was the time you were most scared?
A few years back I went up on our roof to replace some shingles and absolutely froze in fright. I had never before felt such a paralyzing degree of fear. It took a few minutes for me to be able to move so I could climb down. It was the catalyst to get our roof reshingled.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting married and having kids. I'm sure it sounds like a standard and easy answer, but I can't think of anything more profound in my life.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I had found my path in life earlier. I feel I wasted too much of my youth on superficial interests.
What's your favorite thing to do when it's raining?
Any excuse to spend the day reading is OK with me.
age: 47
occupation: artist
found: West Simsbury
No pun intended, but what drew you to becoming an artist?
When I was a kid I drew on any surface in front of me. In high school I took all the art electives available. It wasn't until my second year of college that I first considered painting. I studied art history and became fascinated with genres and the evolution of styles. I then began to see my own work as part of the entire progression of art. In other words, I started becoming consciously influenced by other artists and the works of art I encountered.
What don't they teach in art school that you had to learn for yourself?
How to develop methods to stay artistically active. For me it's important to always be creating no matter what the quality of the work is.
What is it like to live and work as an artist in Connecticut as compared to the time you spent living and working in California and Boston?
I've come full circle because I grew up and started making art here. There is a certain intimacy and understatement about Connecticut that I'm very comfortable with. I feel like I'm rooted in the landscape.
What influences your art, the focus of which remains exuberant abstract expressionism?
Nature. In particular, various qualities of water. The rhythms of reflected lines on the surface, the translucency or opacity of the colors through the seasons, and the textures of the bottom seen through different depths is what affects my work presently.
What is the riskiest thing you've ever done?
I did some risky skiing in my younger days.
When was the time you were most scared?
A few years back I went up on our roof to replace some shingles and absolutely froze in fright. I had never before felt such a paralyzing degree of fear. It took a few minutes for me to be able to move so I could climb down. It was the catalyst to get our roof reshingled.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Getting married and having kids. I'm sure it sounds like a standard and easy answer, but I can't think of anything more profound in my life.
What is your biggest regret?
I wish I had found my path in life earlier. I feel I wasted too much of my youth on superficial interests.
What's your favorite thing to do when it's raining?
Any excuse to spend the day reading is OK with me.
