Students and community members gathered last Thursday evening for an opening reception for the current Gallery exhibit.
American illustrator C.F. Payne’s gallery talk followed the reception at 6 p.m. Both events are located in the Gallery, IU South Bend’s venue for the fine arts, which is tucked away in the northeast corner of the Associates building. The show, which displays works from throughout his 30-year career, contains over 50 pieces making it one of the largest shows devoted entirely to his work.
“I have always liked to draw, so much so that it was necessary for me to become an artist,” said Payne. He has an ongoing relationship with Time Magazine, Readers Digest, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times as well as other media companies including Der Spiegel a popular German magazine. He has also illustrated ten books including The Remarkable Farkle McBride by author John Lithgow. “Working with John was great because he’s not an overbearing author,” said Payne.
His work, which is often tongue in check, adds humor to current events that often become the theme of his pieces. Jack Davis, Mart Drucker and other artists whose work appeared in Mad Magazine, which since childhood remained one of Payne’s favorites, influenced his work. “Realism with a twist” is a phrase that has been used to describe his drawings.
Another influence that is evident in his work is Norman Rockwell. Like Rockwell, Payne often uses family members and friends in his work including his two sons Trevor and Evan. Unlike Rockwell; Payne uses personification of animals and insects.
Because he uses many different media to create his work it is difficult to figure out how they are created. The gallery talk was held to explain the process he uses. He used slides to show the stages of a piece to completion.
While Payne is a remarkable artist, he is careful to acknowledge his luck playing a part in his success. “I have been given the chance to draw for a living and I went for it,” said Payne. He also noted that he worked in “obscurity” for eleven years before he became really successful. Now he enjoys the people with whom he is able to collaborate.
In addition to his illustration work he is currently the chair and instructor of illustration at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. He noted that it is important for his students to see his early work so they can see his progress and be challenged to grow.
Students wishing to view the exhibit will be glad to know it continues through March 5. The Gallery hours are noon–5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
The IUSB Preface > Arts and Entertainment
Payne art exhibit now open at gallery
Published: Sunday, February 21, 2010
Updated: Sunday, February 21, 2010
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