Landscape Painter Adam Allen Berry describes his approach

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Sept. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- When I asked Adam Allen Berry to describe how and why he works with the landscape, I also asked him to include his thoughts on working with clay what that process provides? Adam’s reply....

“I work mainly from the landscape and have been since undergraduate school. I do work directly from Nature but I try not to be overly descriptive in my approach to rendering the likeness but rather the feeling or sensation of my experience with it. I want My paintings to feel like the landscape, which for me is far more interesting (and emotive) than how it simply looks. An ordinary photograph is infinitely inferior in conveying this feeling I have found, and with this I find the undertaking of making Art not only worthwhile but necessary. This is also a great challenge. When I look upon an arresting view, I try to stay with that feeling, and hold it, and  only then I am able to share it, and to share it is my greatest desire. I am usually the only one experiencing this penetrating beauty at any given moment, so its up to me and I alone to share this feeling I hold so valuable. It provides me with great joy when I succeed, and I pursue the subject with greater verve when I temporarily fail.

I received my bachelor’s degree in 1998 and then my Master’s degree both in Painting and Drawing in 2004 from the University of Southern Mississippi.The Landscape in rural Mississippi was perfect for my tendency toward emotionally charged landscapes due to its atmosphere, tonality, and ambiguity.  Although the main emphasis of my university studies revolved around two dimensional expressions, the potter’s wheel has called my attention ever since my first exposure to clay as an undergraduate. I have worked with the material regularly ever since. There is something very fulfilling about realizing a three dimensional piece. Firstly its very physical. Preparing, and working the clay take some physical effort, and after sitting or standing for long periods painting the landscape, my body yearns to move! Second, I can often see results or realize a finished form in only a few minutes which can be very exciting. This however does not detract from the quality or intrinsic value as a work of Art. For me, it is a manifestation of my every touch however subtle. All I have to offer is evident in the finished form whether it be utilitarian or sculptural. I rarely see difference between my sculptural work and what I consider functional. One of my favorite pieces is a deceptively simple small bowl. Like painting working in clay communicates volumes about me at that particular moment. The work reveals the maker for all to see. The maker cannot conceal, or fake it as the clay creation holds no secrets, and cannot pretend to be what it is not for long. One can pretend to be a great master sitting in a coffee shop wearing a beret and holding a sketchbook to look the part if one chooses, but ones work reveals what is truly in the heart. Practicing Art teaches many things and one lesson it insists we learn is honesty. Eventually we all learn we have nothing to hide and everything to share.  My knowledge (or lack of), my state of mind, interests and influences show in each piece in some way. Everything comes forth honestly and sincerely if I let it. When the work is not going well, I know the problem lies within myself. Mind you...all this understanding has come from years of working through frustration and maintaining perseverance but how wonderful the rewards! Unlike working two dimensionally, everything often comes together usually in just a few movements as the clay moves through my hands when I’m on the potters wheel. Something spontaneous emerges and is realized. To my amazement something of myself is present as a result of those simple gestures. My clay pieces are a realization of  a fleeting moment of agreement between myself and the clay. This is a union of sorts where the clay bends to my will and I know and respect the limitations of what the clay will allow. Sometimes allowing me to take it farther than I thought I could. At our best,we work together. The clay and I are sensitive and respond accordingly, both the clay and myself realize our fullest potential available. Instead of an inert lump of neutrality, the clay is reborn and I am as well. It brings me great satisfaction and promises to divulge even greater potential gifts as I continue to learn.”

Contact info:

Adam Allen Berry is an Artist and Educator working in a wide variety of mediums. His work is available at galleries throughout the south east and beyond. You can contact him directly by email. aaberry70@gmail.com  Adam is available for pottery and painting workshops as well as exhibition opportunities. Adam currently resides in Rochester N.Y.