NAKED OC LIFESTYLE - ( Feature Artist - Glenn Arthur )

Review by Allison M.

I am the kind of person who needs constant stimulation (do what you want with that statement). For something to really gather my attention, it has to be unique, beautiful, and/or thought provoking. If something is not working for me, I will walk out of a movie, forcefully ask my trainer to change my routine, or abandon a bad relationship. It is difficult for me to stay focused on any one thing for too long.

So I was surprised to find myself mesmerized by the artwork of 31-year old Orange County resident Glenn Arthur. I recently visited the Rothick Art Haus Gallery located in Anaheim to observe his efforts. Though I had looked at some of his work online (www.rothick.com), I was blown away by both the scope and beauty of his art when viewing it in person. His paintings depict raw emotion, ranging from sadness to loss to heartache to despair to lust. I had emotional responses to many of the pieces I viewed. The way Arthur is able to convey emotion in the eyes of the women he paints is striking. I also appreciate his attention to detail, as well as the recurring images found from painting to painting. Above all else, you can look at each piece over and over again, and notice something different every single time. He describes the style as “Vintage/Punk Edge Neo-Victorian with elements of romance and craziness.” It sounds odd, but it works.

Born and raised in Garden Grove, Arthur did not realize that his talent could actually translate into a career until a little over 10 years ago, when it finally dawned on him that he needed to do something with his life other than work random odd jobs during the week and party all weekend (and how many of us have experienced that feeling?). He took a leap of faith, and now is producing artwork that is stunning to look at, yet haunting to remember.!!! When speaking with Arthur, he states that he is inspired by the emotional release he experiences when he creates his art. Too often, he explains, individuals (especially men) hide from themselves and their feelings. Arthur too grew up hiding his emotions. It was only a few years ago when he finally decided that instead of running from his emotions, he would express his way of thinking through his art. Though he continues to experience moments of self-doubt (and who doesn’t) he states, “If I can break a mold, I will.” He wants to be the exception to the rule, not the norm. He is doing just that through his art.

Though his work is no longer on display at Rothick Art Haus (the showing ended June 5), his work will be featured in the Long Beach magazine Guardians of Bravery in July. You can also catch his next art display at the Box Gallery located at the Camp in September 2010. If you are interested in seeing something that will both inspire you and get you thinking, then keep an eye out for Glenn Arthur.