Lanesboro Arts presents “How I See Now,” an exhibition of paintings by Eddie Hamilton at the Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery. “How I See Now” is a collection of layered, impressionistic paintings that showcase diverse landscapes that share a unique sensory connection. These paintings are inextricably tied to Eddie’s decision to stop using alcohol. In doing so, he experienced a newfound, heightened sensory and emotional connection to the natural world around him. As Eddie says, “I see, hear, and smell more in nature than I ever have. They are more than just paintings of nature but the symbol of my fresh start in life.”
This show will run from February 3rd to March 31st, with an artist’s reception Saturday, February 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Eddie Hamilton’s artistic influences range from post-impressionists like Gaugin and Serusier to contemporaries like Haring. He paints both with “the intent of evoking a feeling of awe from nature but also capturing a pure and impressionistic feel that gives the image the essence of the fragility of nature and the absurd joy I get from being a part of it all”.
Change has always been a part of Eddie Hamilton’s painting process. Over the years, Eddie has used acrylic paint due to the rugged quickness his paintings demanded. Now working in oil paints, his work and approach have softened. Change and exploring new ways of making paintings are his joy. Currently, he paints landscapes of Minnesota from traditional scenes to topographical depictions.
Eddie started painting landscapes six years ago, about the time he stopped drinking. One of the results was an unexpected change in perspective. The phrase “you are good enough” was particularly profound and consistently returned to him. “You are good enough” opened his eyes about what he could do. At the same time, Eddie found himself outside more and more, staring at nature in wonder. He loved the mundane in the color of the gray skies, the still woods, and the everyday surprises of being outdoors.
Eddie’s current obsession is the beauty in the mundane – in life and art. He intentionally pays attention to the spaces that are often overlooked in our landscapes and pulls these spaces forward. His painting doesn’t depict landmarks or famous views, but the space between that holds the land together. Eddie has paintings of the shadows, of the swampy shores of a small pond, and of prairie grasses’ subtle movement in the breeze.
Always free and open to the public, the Lanesboro Arts Exhibition Gallery is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm in February, 2024.
February 4 – 11, 2024 | Winona MN
This exhibit is sponsored by the Frozen River Film Festival, which runs from February 4-11, 2024 in Winona, MN and made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. For more information visit www.lanesboroarts.org, call 507-467-2446 or email gallery@lanesboroarts.org. Handicapped accessible and free to the public, the exhibition gallery is located at 103 Parkway Avenue North in Lanesboro, MN.