My Statement-
In my paintings, I strive to capture the essence of fleeting moments and evoke a sense of wonder and introspection. Drawing inspiration from nature, the interplay of light, color, and emotion, I create visual narratives that invite viewers to explore the delicate balance between realism and abstraction.
In my artistic practice, I embrace the versatility of oil and acrylic paints. Whether through bold and expressive brushstrokes or delicate layers of glazes, I seek to imbue my paintings with a sense of movement and life, capturing the essence of a particular moment in time.
The interplay of light and shadow is a recurring theme in my work. I am fascinated by how light can transform ordinary scenes into ethereal and transcendent moments. By manipulating tones and contrasts, my aim is to evoke a range of emotions, from the tranquil and serene to the mysterious and contemplative.
My current artistic journey is driven by the profound experience of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of nature. Through my layered and weathered compositions, I aim to evoke the emotions tied to the destructive force of water, the remnants of lost vessels, and the resilience found in the midst of upheaval. This exploration of these aesthetics and themes is an ongoing pursuit, one that fuels my passion for creating art that reflects the depth of human experience and the profound connection between art and life.
In a world inundated with superficiality and fleeting distractions, my artworks serve as portals, guiding observers towards uncharted territories where the confines of everyday life dissipate, allowing one’s imagination and dreams to unfold. It is within this space that the true essence of our existence is illuminated, providing sanctuary for introspection and the unearthing of our desires.
Through a nuanced interplay of colors, textures, and forms, my artworks seek to transcend the limitations of the physical realm. I embrace abstraction as a language and combine it with literal representation, deconstructing conventional narratives and constructing alternate visual realities. In doing so, viewers are free to engage with their own imaginations, encouraging them to perceive the interconnectedness between the realms of their internal landscapes and the external environment that I have hinted at in the more representational parts of the paintings.
Ultimately, my art serves as a conduit which fosters a dialogue between the viewer and their own psyche, as an invitation to confront the multifaceted nature of existence. As I navigate the delicate balance between these realms, I hope to inspire contemplation, introspection, and a renewed sense of wonder within all those who encounter my work.
About the artist:
Raised amidst the vibrant landscapes of San Francisco and Guerneville, Ethan Cranke's artistic sensibilities were nurtured by the diverse beauty that surrounded him.
A devoted educator, Cranke has imparted his knowledge to aspiring artists of all ages. From his early days teaching in high school classrooms to guiding intimate en plein air painting sessions, he has fostered artistic growth and encouraged individuals to push their boundaries.
Nature serves as a profound muse for Cranke, who finds solace and inspiration in trail jogs and oceanic hikes. Immersed in the gentle embrace of the woods or captivated by the rhythm of the waves, he breathes in the invigorating air, keenly observing the interplay of light and the ever-changing vistas that unfold before him.
That being said, Cranke's creativity extends beyond the natural world. He finds rich inspiration in the nuances of life, in the stories whispered by the architecture and history of cities, and in the genuine connections formed through shared experiences. His artistry seamlessly blends these multifaceted influences, giving rise to works that resonate with profound emotional depth.
In 2021, Cranke manifested his artistic aspirations by crafting his own studio in the heart of Guerneville, California. Within these walls and extended property, he paints, writes, jogs, and nurtures his family, creating a harmonious balance between his creative pursuits and personal life.
Arrtist CV:
Website: ethancranke.com
Email: [email protected]
Born in San Francisco, 1978.
Education:
Professional Experience:
Solo Shows:
Collections: My work is now part of numerous private collections.
In my paintings, I strive to capture the essence of fleeting moments and evoke a sense of wonder and introspection. Drawing inspiration from nature, the interplay of light, color, and emotion, I create visual narratives that invite viewers to explore the delicate balance between realism and abstraction.
In my artistic practice, I embrace the versatility of oil and acrylic paints. Whether through bold and expressive brushstrokes or delicate layers of glazes, I seek to imbue my paintings with a sense of movement and life, capturing the essence of a particular moment in time.
The interplay of light and shadow is a recurring theme in my work. I am fascinated by how light can transform ordinary scenes into ethereal and transcendent moments. By manipulating tones and contrasts, my aim is to evoke a range of emotions, from the tranquil and serene to the mysterious and contemplative.
My current artistic journey is driven by the profound experience of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of nature. Through my layered and weathered compositions, I aim to evoke the emotions tied to the destructive force of water, the remnants of lost vessels, and the resilience found in the midst of upheaval. This exploration of these aesthetics and themes is an ongoing pursuit, one that fuels my passion for creating art that reflects the depth of human experience and the profound connection between art and life.
In a world inundated with superficiality and fleeting distractions, my artworks serve as portals, guiding observers towards uncharted territories where the confines of everyday life dissipate, allowing one’s imagination and dreams to unfold. It is within this space that the true essence of our existence is illuminated, providing sanctuary for introspection and the unearthing of our desires.
Through a nuanced interplay of colors, textures, and forms, my artworks seek to transcend the limitations of the physical realm. I embrace abstraction as a language and combine it with literal representation, deconstructing conventional narratives and constructing alternate visual realities. In doing so, viewers are free to engage with their own imaginations, encouraging them to perceive the interconnectedness between the realms of their internal landscapes and the external environment that I have hinted at in the more representational parts of the paintings.
Ultimately, my art serves as a conduit which fosters a dialogue between the viewer and their own psyche, as an invitation to confront the multifaceted nature of existence. As I navigate the delicate balance between these realms, I hope to inspire contemplation, introspection, and a renewed sense of wonder within all those who encounter my work.
About the artist:
Raised amidst the vibrant landscapes of San Francisco and Guerneville, Ethan Cranke's artistic sensibilities were nurtured by the diverse beauty that surrounded him.
A devoted educator, Cranke has imparted his knowledge to aspiring artists of all ages. From his early days teaching in high school classrooms to guiding intimate en plein air painting sessions, he has fostered artistic growth and encouraged individuals to push their boundaries.
Nature serves as a profound muse for Cranke, who finds solace and inspiration in trail jogs and oceanic hikes. Immersed in the gentle embrace of the woods or captivated by the rhythm of the waves, he breathes in the invigorating air, keenly observing the interplay of light and the ever-changing vistas that unfold before him.
That being said, Cranke's creativity extends beyond the natural world. He finds rich inspiration in the nuances of life, in the stories whispered by the architecture and history of cities, and in the genuine connections formed through shared experiences. His artistry seamlessly blends these multifaceted influences, giving rise to works that resonate with profound emotional depth.
In 2021, Cranke manifested his artistic aspirations by crafting his own studio in the heart of Guerneville, California. Within these walls and extended property, he paints, writes, jogs, and nurtures his family, creating a harmonious balance between his creative pursuits and personal life.
Arrtist CV:
Website: ethancranke.com
Email: [email protected]
Born in San Francisco, 1978.
Education:
- BFA in Painting, San Francisco Art Institute, 2001
- Santa Rosa Junior College, 1996
- Attended CSSSA at CalArts for Summer Session, 1996
Professional Experience:
- 2013-Currently: Private Painting Instructor within the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
- Fall 2011: Guest painting instructor for "Arts With Elders" at The Sequoias and Western Park Apartments in San Francisco.
- 2001-08: High School and Junior High Substitute Teacher, Sonoma County Office of Education.
- Spring 2005: Interim full-time English Teacher for Spring Semester at El Molino High School, developing and implementing original lesson plans, lectures, projects, and final exams.
- Fall 2004: Interim full-time Art Teacher for Fall Semester at El Molino High School, implementing original lesson plans, lectures, projects, and final exams.
- 1996: California Art Scholar Award
- 1997-2001: Merit Scholarship, San Francisco Art Institute
- 2000: Materials Grant, San Francisco Art Institute
Solo Shows:
- October 12, 2018: Center For New Music, 55 Taylor Street, San Francisco, California 94102, “Live Painting Performance: Abstract Painting with Music Performed By David Samas and Pet The Tiger”
- April 1 - April 30, 2016: Canessa Gallery, 708 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94111, "New Landscapes"
- June 1 - August 22, 2015: Reframe Gallery, 6790 McKinley Street, STE 180, Sebastopol, California 95472, "Summer Show"
- February 4 - May 31, 2015: Daredevils & Queens, 122 4th Street, Santa Rosa, California 95401, "Tonal Landscapes"
- January 17 - February 2, 2015: Arc Gallery, 660 Fourth Street, #125, San Francisco, California 94107, "Impulse"
- January 18 - February 1, 2014: Arc Gallery, 660 Fourth Street, #125, San Francisco, California 94107, "Impulse"
- November 2013 - February 2014: Petaluma Valley Hospital, Petaluma, CA, "Art Around Town"
- June - August 2013: D & G Equity Management, Guerneville, CA, "Landscapes"
- April - May 2012: Moss Women's Crisis Center, Moss, Norway, Twitter-Art-Exhibit Group Show II, "140 Characters"
- December 28, 2011 - January 1, 2012: Kianga Ellis Projects, Brooklyn, The New York Group Show, "I am the judge. I am the jury." Rebellion & Empowerment in Contemporary Art
- July 25-31, 2011: Kianga Ellis Projects, HD3 on 560 Montezuma Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico, #KEP Santa Fe Group Show, "Everything and Everyday"
- November 2010 - January 2011: Moss Children's Library, Moss, Norway, Twitter-Art-Exhibit Group Show, "140 Characters"
- February 6 - March 4, 2010: Driftwood Salon Gallery, 39 Isis St., San Francisco, California, Driftwood Salon Group Show, "The Preview"
- September 30 - November 6, 2010: Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma, California, "El Día de los Muertos"
- April 2010: Modern Painters Magazine, Article: "Modern Painters Salon," pg. 12. Contributions to the dialogue regarding the "death of painting."
- Kianga Ellis Projects "Art Talk, Santa Fe," July 30, 2011 (#KEPSantaFe), Santa Fe, New Mexico. Panelist discussing the "Fire Man" series and the integration of social media in art.
Collections: My work is now part of numerous private collections.
