04 Dec Stephenson Showcase: “Diverging Worlds” by Eric Utterback
Familiar genres often follow familiar styles. One might expect a painting depicting knights or dragons to be illustrative and straightforward, or an abstract painting to be a conceptual exploration of technique, color, or another element. New perspectives and practices can be developed through the combination of genre and styles, as artist Eric Utterback has discovered. Eric aims to blend his passion for illustrative and abstract paintings and lay out the processes that got him there in his showcase exhibit, Diverging Worlds.
Eric studied at Vincennes University for graphic design and at Herron School of Art & Design for painting. He’s always had an interest in fantasy as a genre and began drawing monsters and mayhem at an early age. Past university, he pursued workshops and mentorship programs to refine his repertoire. For him, “fine art is one mindset, illustration is another one entirely.” Fine art requires careful study to build strong compositions and foundational skills, whereas he can create more freely when illustrating.
As his process evolves, it remains largely an organic one. Eric will wash the painting surface in color to build movement before layering in geometric shapes. Representational images threaded throughout the composition twist with the more elusive shapes and create a dynamic push and pull visual effect. He enjoys employing a “dichotomy of hard edges, soft edges, abrupt breaks, and juxtaposition.” Eric also strives to utilize materials that will lengthen the longevity of his work. For example, he’s recently begun using Aluminum Composite Materials, or ACM panels, as his painting surface. The lightweight material can be purchased in bulk, cut down to size, and does not warp.
Visitors can expect newer works of this variety as well as older paintings that mark Eric’s creative journey. Paintings from 2020 onward track a variety of subjects, including florals, fantasy, abstracts, and more. The exhibit will showcase his growth in quality and expression and the work he’s done to merge illustrative and abstract representations.
See the full exhibit, Diverging Worlds, in the Stephenson House Gallery at the Noblesville Creates campus from December 6-28. The campus is open for exploration Wednesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
You can meet Eric during his free open house reception on Friday, December 6th, from 6-9 p.m.
