Statement and Bio
I want what I create to be approachable. My art is often playful. There is a genuine vulnerability in what I make. That is such a huge risk, to be vulnerable. The work for me is a kindhearted and open way to start meaningful conversations about important topics.
Bio
Timmy Valentine (b. 1975, Illinois) an American artist based in Sullivan Illinois, USA, is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of creativity, Timmy has dedicated years to honing their craft through independent exploration and experimentation. Their journey as an artist is evidence of the transformative power of self-directed learning and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Denied the conventional pathways of formal education, Timmy's artistic journey took root in the fertile soil of their imagination. Surrounded by a landscape dominated by industrialized agriculture and the deceptive simplicity of rural life, they found inspiration in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. From the daily quest to understand the power of personal perspective and intention to the watery hues that tint a lifetime of memories, Timmy's art became a visual record of a vast inner universe.
Timmy Valentine's art is proof of the transformative power of creativity, transcending the boundaries of geography and upbringing to touch the hearts of viewers around the world.
Artist Statement
I explore the intersection of identity, environment, and the passage of time primarily through painting and sculpture.
My artistic vision is rooted in a deep-seated desire to forge connections between the self and the surroundings, to unravel the complex tapestry of human existence through the lens of rural life. I seek to capture the essence of the human experience in all its intricacies.
In my work, I am influenced by decades of contemplation on themes of gender, social class, family dynamics, access to resources, and the inexorable march of time. These concepts, born out of my isolated rural upbringing, serve as the foundation upon which my art is built. Through bold strokes and subtle nuances, I endeavor to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations about the forces that shape our lives.
A recurring motif in my art is the theme of nature reclaiming man-made objects, a visual representation of the cycle of life and the inevitable return to the earth. I am fascinated by the resilience of nature and its ability to reclaim and transform even the most enduring human constructs.
Additionally, I explore the idea of life existing only in the present moment, a fleeting yet infinitely precious state of being. Through my art, I invite viewers to contemplate the transience of existence and to find solace in the beauty of the here and now.
At the heart of my artistic practice is a commitment to making art inviting and accessible to all. I strive to create work that speaks to people from all walks of life. Each piece I create is imbued with a sense of warmth and openness, inviting viewers to engage with it on a personal level and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
I remain committed to exploring and celebrating vulnerability in my work. By embracing this state of openness and authenticity, I seek to create art that resonates on a deeply human level, inviting viewers to share in the beauty of unfiltered emotion.
My artistic process is as diverse and multifaceted as the subjects I explore. From experimenting with textures and layers to incorporating found objects and ephemera, I embrace a fluid approach to creation that mirrors the ever-changing landscape of human existence.
Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the human experience, a record of the transformative power of creativity, and a reminder that beauty can be found in even the most unlikely of places.
