About

Guy Owen is currently living in Portland Oregon where he received his Bachelor in Art Practices from Portland State University His practice focuses on the relationship between ones self and ones place, using collage and paint to explore humanity's effect on the environment and the stresses that modernity inflicts on ones quality of life. He has had his work exhibited in multiple venues and galleries in Portland, OR, including the Erickson Gallery, Gallery 101, and the Blackbird restaurant. He is interested in traveling after receiving his degree to visit communities around the United States to view how different economic pressures shape the land and people around it.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work, which primary consists of paintings, is focused on the relationship between humanity and the environment. Much of my work is based on places I have visited or lived, and the interaction between the natural environment and the human presence. Using a mixture of photo collage and paint, I try to portray the stresses that modernity inflicts on both the land and its people.

My work is often created with an emphasis on the interaction between paint and photographs. I believe these mediums help accentuate the relationship between reality and mentality through juxtaposing the rigidness of digital photography and the fluidity of paint. My collages, which are built up from personal photographs, are mostly unplanned. Spontaneity can allow me to discover the work through my process and this is often how I come to understand how I feel about the subject that is being portrayed.