More about Rhett
Rhett sees not only with his eyes, but with his heart.
As his vibrant and spontaneous paintings show, Rhett instinctively knows that reality is not confined to the physical world. His art is simultaneously visionary, colorful and symbolic.
Rhett's paintings are full of movements and healing energy. It could be said of Rhett's work that it, like Gauguin's, shows "natural sacredness." It conveys the connection between human life, animal and vegetable that all visionary artists see. Although Rhett acknowledges the darkness and pain of life, his paintings dispel these shadows with penetrating light. They glow with vitality and a rare aliveness that imparts silent teachings on the visual level.
Rhett's creations are earth-conscious and often incorporate environmental, social or planetary themes. In his space paintings ; we view the earth from grander perspective that goes beyond the stars and planets to the far reaches of the universe. His paintings of the female form often use dance as a form of symbolic gesture. Many of his paintings are in series which focus on different themes such as star and planet imagery, international native people who live close to earth and endangered wild life. Rhett also uses form to express his themes as shown in sculpted paintings, his multi-paneled paintings and his paintings of sacred geometric shapes.
"To understand what Rhett is doing in his best work, it is necessary to realize what he is not doing..
Rhett does not recognize the boundaries of conventional paintings, and this is his strength."
Rhett's artworks "especially the more abstract , are impressive... cataloging the joys and sorrows of a creative imagination. They instinctively capture the essence of art.. the vision being childlike and transitory."
Quotes from Roy Proctor
Richmond Times Dispatch
Rhett developed as an artist on the East Cost where he started painting at the age of three, filling a large expanses of paper with murals reflecting religious, jungle and animal theme. Even then hi sense of color was bright, clear and unique .
Rhett attended the school of International Relations at American University where he graduated with a B.A. in peace Studies. He later made personal pilgrimages to the Mid-East, India, Jamaica and Europe which further enforced his interest in social issues and the necessity for nonviolent conflict resolution.
Rhett currently exhibits in Encinitas, California. He explores his creativity through painting and other art forms including sculptured painted, glass, sculpture, painted furniture, murals and water features. An unusually versatile artist, Rhett's work ranges from the uniquely representational to abstract expressionism. He is available for private commissions in all mentioned media , including murals on walls and buildings, and is increasingly interested i n video and movie work. Rhett is also an award winning designer of water features and the owner of Laughing Dove Designs.
