Welcome To:

     

Wicked Ink           

 

"Artist’s Statement of"

Zachary Horn

Since I was a child I have been fascinated by how simple cartoons can display such strong messages.  In my early years, I found myself drawn to animations that used bold, brilliant colors to attract their viewers and relate the theme of their storyboard.  I believe that two things: color and form, are above all else the most important in expressing a strong emotion or attitude through my two-dimensional works.  Whereas other artists may be resistant to using neon or metallic colors with bold lines, I thrive on this practice.  By stepping out of the ordinary standard of thinking, I have allowed myself to create artwork that distracts the viewer away from their comfortable, maybe even hum-drum life, and enters them into a fictional scenario where they can allow their own creativity to write the story behind each piece.

   When filling each of my latest canvases, I use several of my favorite methods I have gathered over the years.  I pull inspiration from my many years as a graffiti and urban artist as well as my earlier experiences with classical art training.  The most obvious pattern in my work is the assumption of fiction.  Whether it is simply a word, an object, or an animal, the main focus of the painting is always so extreme or odd that the viewer senses they are looking at a fictional item or setting.  Bold lines, uncommon textures, and eye-popping colors help to shape this idea.  I know that a piece is finished when it catches my eye every time I walk past it.  It should fill me with an impression of either mystery, curiosity, or humor.  Throughout the last year of my artistic and personal life, I have found that humor is the most invaluable character to have.