whimsical
be-real-ism
RICHARD LORENZ
Artist and creator of the popular series...'BE THE BIRD'!
Self taught in a style he calls - ‘Whimsical Be-Real-ism’, Richard paints in traditional as well as digital mediums. “In the realm of all things symbolic...birds and feathers have held a certain fascination for me. My earliest drawings as a toddler were of birds and flying. Indeed, I drew every kind of bird imaginable. Working mostly in oils, I consumed the works of Audubon and other notable ornithologists both past and present. 1998 was memorable with my winning entry in the prestigious Louisiana Duck-Stamp competition.”
Over time, ‘BE THE BIRD’! has developed a devoted collector base, with many individuals building long-term collections they affectionately refer to as “their flock.” The work is known not only for its visual impact, but for how it changes the emotional tone of the spaces it inhabits—creating environments that feel warmer, more personal, and quietly joyful. This body of work emerged onto the art scene in 2012 and now enjoys a global following. Collectors can find Richard’s work in numerous gallery/private collections as well as annual exhibits across the U.S.
THE GALLERY - 120 S. MAIN ST. - BENTONVILLE, AR
FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS
DO YOU HAVE ANY ART TRAINING?
I have no formal training in art except for my weekly rendezvous with Bob Ross from the local PBS access on Saturday mornings. It was his show that inspired me to paint. I saved my allowance till the day I was able to buy his painting kit. The rest is history as they say. I continue to paint in oils as well as acrylics.
My latest challenge has been learning to paint digitally. I am completely inspired to this day by watching young people paint in this new painting medium. That's right...YouTube is how I have learned digital painting!
WHAT KIND OF DRUGS DO YOU DO?
I get asked this at literally every art event. Really? Do you really think drugs are the only way to create art? There is a huge misconception that artists must be 'high' to create art. I blame society for this misunderstanding. It is quite the opposite. I have never created art under the influence. Even a glass of wine can alter the original vision or message that I wanted to convey.
WHY BIRDS?
I have always drawn birds. As far back as I can recall...always drawing birds and dinosaurs. How interesting that now we know these may be related! Birds represent freedom. A chance to give wings to our thoughts, ambitions, and goals in life. Birds have also traditionally represented the 'messenger', with the ability to soar from this world to the next. Since art is a 'language', indeed...mankind's highest form of communication, my paintings are a may to 'speak' as authentically as possible.
Many traditions and civilizations use the feather to represent 'Truth'. Just as the 'Truth' can set you free, so too the feather has long symbolized our connection with 'Spirit' and our desire to break free from our earthly bonds.
YES...THERE IS A MESSAGE TO MY MADNESS!
I created my series - ‘Be the Bird’ - as a reminder that each Bird is unique. There is not another Bird quite like you. You are one of a kind. You are here on purpose...for a purpose. God makes no mistakes. What ever your perceived challenges are, remember these are the opportunities that define you...that make you unique.
It seems to be the most difficult thing these days (especially young people...of all ages), to find the real YOU...the person buried beneath the turmoil of this world. Our society seems hell bent on determining who you are through whatever means possible: TV, radio, social media, internet, music, peer pressure, social, geo-political, gender, work, religion, ethnic propaganda...and the list goes on. We are so bombarded each and every moment of each and ever day about who we should be, look like, sound like, what we should eat, how we should dress...indeed...who we should be, that we may have totally forgotten (or have never known) who we are! The beginning of all 'Truth' is to know ones self. Who do you think you are!?
My paintings of 'Birdz' are of you guys! I love watching (Bird watching) people in their natural habitat, going about their perceived 'normal' existence, unaware of the inspiration I receive from them on a daily basis. There is always that one Bird that stands out from the flock. This is the Bird not afraid to spread her/his wings. You know the one...big feathers, lots of color, quirky, a bit messy, insecure, but facing the world head on with an unwavering determination to be 'Real'. These are the Birdz I paint. The ones who make us believe that no matter what the circumstances, no matter the limitations, we all have the potential to fly above the madness and discover the real, authentic Bird that lives inside.
'Eloise' - 'It's better to show your true colors, than to let them fade'.
'Alvin' - 'Alvin was color blind...and everyone knew it. Our world made brighter...with dear Alvin in it'.
'Pierre' - 'close to the edge' (of greatness) Pierre is a pirate without an ocean. He is aqua-phobic (fear of water). Not good for a pirate, right!? So...he has become 'Captain of the high trees'. Don't let an ocean stop you!
"Remember, no matter what your perceived challenges are in this life, it's all an illusion. Embrace who you are...perfect in every way. Shrug off the labels, contempt, value and worth put upon you by someone else. Find your feathers, live your Truth, and most of all - 'BE THE BIRD'!"