Studios on the Park is proud to present Cranked Up. featuring select works by visionary artists Rick Davis and Burl Vreeland. Together, Davis' handcrafted "crankers" and Vreeland's vivid paintings create an edgy and humorous celebration of summer.
Burl Vreeland
I have been painting for the last 13 years. My painting methods are constantly evolving. I love to use past memories and imagery to develop paintings that I find aesthetically pleasing and hard to duplicate.
Rick Davis
Crankers are a way to put together three elements.
First, I have always been fascinated with how things work mechanically: gears and levers that push and move things. Making Crankers has allowed me to use what engineering skills I have.
Second, I have noticed that it is the small movements of faces, fingers, and eyes that attract attention, and give insight to the subject. These movements tell us whether there is happiness or sadness, seriousness or silliness. When I make Crankers I use this idea.
Third, I try to have fun. I hope to convey my joy in building these pieces. The ideas can range from serious to silly and anywhere in-between but always offer a little to think about. All the pieces are powered by the viewer by means of a small crank, making the viewer part of the action. Fun is the key word; humor is part of life, too.
I hope you enjoy the Crankers.
