Three Rivers Gallery recently introduced new work by St. Bernard Parish abstract painter David Doherty. While small towns sometimes appear reluctant to showcase artwork by artists who live outside the region, others recognize the importance of taking a more expansive approach.
In late 2005, an influx of new families moved to the north shore from St. Bernard. For some, it was temporary, but many decided to stay and make western St. Tammany their home.
An interesting exchange was sure to happen, and the result is that there is more attention paid to cultural exchanges and partnerships between communities, organizations, commercial galleries, and artists.
When Three Rivers Gallery Director Duane Cormier brought the idea of introducing the brilliantly colored paintings of an artist whose work had never before appeared in Covington, Gallery owner Maurice LeGarduer decided there were sound reasons to offer variety to his collector base and the many art enthusiasts who support the gallery.
Though Doherty has been involved in the arts for several years, he sees himself as an emerging artist. He studied at the University of New Orleans, later at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts prior to 2005, and left St. Bernard for Houston, Texas, that same year.
He quickly found an audience for his paintings and exhibited in two galleries during the time that he was in Texas: Lovitt Inn Gallery in the Montrose area of Houston, and, later, H Gallery in the Heights.
Two and a half years ago, David made the decision to return to St. Bernard, bringing with him a wide range of experience in the arts and art market in Texas. Houston, a city with a taste for contemporary visual art, and abstraction in particular, provided important incentives for him to pursue his studio work.
The exhibition, "David Doherty: Compositions", is currently displayed at Three Rivers Gallery, 333 East Boston St., Covington. A reception for the artist was held Jan. 19.
Doherty was present to meet the community of artists and supporters of the arts who attended. Doherty is direct in his approach to abstraction, and comfortable in discussing his philosophy and the introspection required to develop sensory references that interest him.
In a recent interview, the artist shared some of his thoughts and the processes he favors in making acrylic, mixed medium paintings. Doherty considers himself to be a formalist reflecting his concern with the relationship between abstract, organic forms, and their arrangement as shapes integrated into richly colored and sometimes textured surfaces.
The exhibition title provides a clue to his philosophy that titles of individual paintings often disguise what is meant to be experienced. His process includes multiple studies, or small quick designs, which he produces on Post-It Notes. Easily manipulated, these small paper surfaces have just enough adhesive to make various experimental combinations before a balanced arrangement engages him. His compositions reference everyday life, pop culture, almost anything perceived through the senses. His use of color is intense, with modulated mid-tones adding interest and movement to the arrangement of organic shapes.
Doherty also considers himself an artist engaged in learning as he pushes himself to take chances. He notes that sometimes artists are too self-conscious to experiment, afraid to go beyond what is safe and familiar into the unknown.
Clearly, Doherty relishes the challenge as he works with a variety of mediums: Acrylic, crayon, modeling paste, pencil, and lately, plaster.
To see the artwork of David Doherty, visit Three Rivers Gallery in downtown Covington, or, as the gallery byline states, "A World Apart - Where Land is Water - Life is Art." For more information about the abstract paintings of David Doherty, visit? www.threeriversgallery.com or call the gallery at 985.892.2811.
Linda Dautreuil is a painter and freelance community writer on Louisiana arts and culture. She may be reached at dautreuil.linda@gmail.com.
Source: http://www.nola.com/community/st-tammany/index.ssf/2013/01/three_rivers_gallery_introduce.html
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