BRIAN ROCK

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Most people talk through their past traumas, Rock paints through his. He lets his emotions and memories possess him until the rush is spent, the tension is released, and he can ride the euphoric high of completing that piece. Rock's work pours out from the deep wounds and the war he has experienced firsthand, and each image, which contains just as much power and impact as his others.

As a people, we are still working through the emotional and physical evolution of history; we have to recognize when the much sought after, blood bathed path to peace and equality is still being traveled. Rock and his work speaks volumes to which side he chooses to poise himself on. You can see clearly, Rock's message to the world to open hearts and minds to the realization of what war looks like, not only when it is happening, but the lasting aftereffects of the atrocities of violence. That understanding seeks to stop this endless path of destruction before the next generation suffers the same consequences that he has.

How has your connection to your Art changed in the last year?

"I find that each year the connection to my Art gets deeper and more personal. I guess, like any good long lasting relationship, honesty and truth are perhaps the two most important aspects. As an artist, you have to be really truthful and honest with yourself, especially to put it all out there for the world to see. The greatest change this last year has been sticking to my mantra of "no art for art's sake." What I mean by that is I made not going to paint or sculpt because I am expected to. Each time I go to my Studio, that is my special place, my confessional as it were. A place where I can truly express myself and enjoy the immunity or forgiveness and peace that I seek Therefore it has to be honest."

What inspires you most right now?

"The journey. Looking back over the years and seeing the various stages and styles and mediums that I have used. The friendships and relationships that I have developed with other Artists. The support, understanding and love I have received from ATIM. The changes in me and the growth that I have experienced on a personal and professional level. A better understanding of me."

What styles are you exploring at this point in your career?

“I have always been interested in the hands on art approach. Art that people can touch. I have some blinded military friends who have inspired me to continue on this path. They could see but lost their site in combat. This way they and anyone for that matter, can physically run their hands over my work and experience it on a different level. This also encourages a new form of partnership between the artist and the observer. I am also beginning to instill some subtle smells in the paintings so that another one of the senses is stimulated. I will continue to work on my varying textures as well.”

“Pastoral” Mixed Media, 18”x24” “Self Identities” Oil on Canva, 36"x24"

What impact has nature had on your creative process?

“Nature has had a huge influence on my work. From the streets of war torn Belfast where I grew up to hearing birds sing outside my Studio in the mountains of New Mexico is the perfect example. My early work reflects this and my current work reflects this. Nature is creation and from creation comes creativity. We are made from the earth and so begins the connection. I always include sand, ash, dirt etc. in my works in order to reinforce that link. Paintings I am not happy with, I burn and then renew them by adding the remnants to newer works. Nature always reinvents itself. As artists we learn from her.”

You have previously mentioned trauma being an experience you process onto your artwork; how has it impacted your mental health to use Art as an outlet?

“Trauma. What do we do with that? We can’t change it, it happened. So that leaves us one choice.. to find an outlet so we can divide a plan for life in order to continue our growth. For me that was Art. Going to war changes you. I became angry. I still get angry but instead of punching a wall I throw paint on canvas! I mix with my hands, I physically become attached to my works. The best part is now that very quick expression of anger or sadness is now permanently captured. An inward photograph of the soul in that very moment. As part of the healing process I can now look back and say “wow, that was a bad day!” but then stand tall knowing it is over and I have expressed it. What makes the healing process complete in that instance is that from something bad, something beautiful and meaningful was created. That is expressionism. That’s Art.”