by Deborah Kay
What happens when five artists with diverse backgrounds get together to create art? The answer is a 14 x 5-foot collaborative piece of art, titled ‘TC-001’. This group of 5 artists is now known as “The Collective” and includes:
- Kevin Pickard (Mixed-Media, Found Object Assemblage, Atom-Punk, Acrylics)
- Christine Lampe (Mixed-Media Acrylic with Charcoal, Oil, Chalk Pastels)
- Tom Dailey (Acrylics & Mixed-Media)
- Sharon Campese (Mixed Media, A little bit of everything)
- Borah Horrell (Watercolor, Acrylic Paint-Pours)
The artists of The Collective first met each other as members of the Gateway East Artists Guild. Their backgrounds run the gambit, including different artistic abilities, formal art education, experience in producing art, various mediums, and artistic goals, as well as diverse upbringings, hobbies, schooling, and professional careers. While the differences are many, more importantly, these artists have a few major things in common. Kevin Pickard put it this way, “We are different artists with different styles, but with a very similar mindset for the good of the whole. Much more to the combination of personalities, our love for art, sense of humor, and sense of adventure in creating art makes this group cohesive.”
Christine Lampe says she wants to “share my passion for art and inspire others to embrace their own creativity and allow self-expression to be a source of healing and joy.” To this end, she brought this group of artists together, for which the other members are most grateful. She facilitated “artists from different genres to experience the expertise and knowledge of other mediums and perspectives, and in the end, create a new piece of art that would never have existed.”
Tom Dailey is especially pleased to belong to a group of artists that meet “in-person.” He said, “Making ‘TC-001’ was an exercise in collaboration, understanding, ability, and tolerance that moved me to another level as an artist… and I’ve only begun to unpack.” Tom explained that many artists share their art, techniques, and artistic visions on social media. While that is interesting and has its place, getting together and exchanging ideas and knowledge provides artistic experience and growth. Going a step further and creating a work of art together is invaluable.
“I looked forward to working with the group and the exchange of ideas”, said Sharon Campese. “I was surprised by the result; a huge, beautiful piece of art.” Although it is a “buzzword” from the past, ‘TC-001’ is truly an example of synergy. It is not something any one member of The Collective could have done alone, but a result that is more than their combined talents.
“I consider myself a life-long learner, as is every member of The Collective. My favorite part about this group (besides making art) is the exchange of ideas and information,” said Borah Horrell. “I work with The Collective to produce art in a brand new (for me) way. It is truly a multi-faceted experience. When we work on a project, I see the way other artists work, gain insight into how they approach their art, and what they do to express their ideas or vision. It is truly a way for us to remain life-long learners.”
Kevin Pickard sums it up. “The nucleus of ‘TC-001’ began as a fun art day. We discussed doing several pieces. This quickly evolved into a group piece with all five artists working together on this massive abstract adventure. Fourteen feet was big enough to give everyone room to work, working large, not stepping on each other both literally and figuratively. Perhaps we caught lightning in a bottle. Time will tell.”
Exhibition Opening: ‘TC-001’ plus a display of individual artworks by The Collective members
Friday, August 2, 2024
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Governor French Gallery
219 West Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220
This event will coincide with the Governor French Gallery opening of ‘Mudang Hiding Tiger’ featuring recent works by initiated Korean mudang and musindo painter, Kim Zimmer.
