ARTIST STATEMENT

Definition is central to my work. Both the statement of the exact meaning of a word and the degree of distinctness in the rendering within a drawing or painting. Defining parameters becomes a catalyst for my imagination. Supervene is defined as: To come or occur as something extraneous, additional, or unexpected. These superventions oscillate between two personal vantage points: 1) the extras, distractions of life, and even false responsibilities that steal our time away from what's important; 2) swirling, illuminating, life-giving guidance operating through and within our every day choices.  A presence so central to our being that we are incomplete without it faithfully loving us, inviting us, forgiving us, and extending grace to us. We find ourselves restrained and contained in negative and positive ways.
Why and how do we hide? How have we dealt with physical, social isolation on a personal level? In what way and how do we compartmentalize our lives? Veiling and perspective became significant as I questioned what feels safe and comfortable while developing the work before you. The box began to represent the unknown, a void for the viewer to fill with their own projections. 
I believe we were created with the need for community, and communication beyond ourselves. So I created scenarios where the figure, consumed by a cardboard box, was clearly limited by the level of physical interaction they could have with another human unless they shared a box with someone. Within my own struggles for my work to reach out and make the personal something both accessible and local I found this series addressing the same issue.  As we attempt to emerge from a pandemic will we be hopeful? Will we be cautious? What forms of personal space will we invite one another into? The challenge is always before us; will we actively look for opportunities to honor, trust, share with, & love one another? In spite of (or through) our fear, anger, insecurity, and these chaotic, divided times we live in, will we choose hope? And if so, hope in what/who? May we seek community, guidance, and wisdom to live and breath in a way that intentionally reflects what we hold precious in our personal spaces and express it through love.

BIOGRAPHY
Craig Hawkins received his Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from Valdosta State University in 2001 and his MFA for the University of Georgia Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2011. His work consists of collected moments of revelation visually given away as a drawing or a painting with the hope of motivating the viewer to reassess things typically taken for granted. Craig currently lives and works in south Georgia.​
See more work at craighawkinsart.com