July's Artist William Ahern : "A Madness with Meaning Takes on a Directional Inspired Journey"

"In 2009, I was in the art supply store to purchase supplies for my custom jewelry.  While passing the paint supply section, I was suddenly overcome with an urge to also purchase some paint, canvases, and brushes.  It felt like a calling.

As I was off for that whole weekend, I went home to begin my new endeavor.  I didn’t have a clue of where to begin; therefore, I decided to proceed in whatever direction fate were to direct me. From the time that my brush first touched the canvas I found myself on an unstoppable course.  I quickly developed my own rhythm.  At this time, I realized that painting and I was a perfect match.  My personal strength is painting abstracts.

Oftentimes, while staring at a blank canvas, I feel uninspired. Yet, almost immediately after applying a base/background color I am provided the inspiration to begin.  However, to acquire just the right flow for the direction of the work’s completion, the color has to be just right for my directional inspiration.

Some have commented that my work is similar to that of Jackson Pollack and Matt Roe. Personally, much of my work is derived from the “madness with meaning” that emerges from within.  This madness truly allows for my escape to an expressional place within.

The increased interest of others in my art only enhances my interest in sharing and revealing me to those who share my appreciation for personal expression through various aspects of art.
With each piece, I am further pushed to reveal myself to the world."

-- William Ahern, 2013

William Ahern's art draws you in. Each piece pulls you one way and pushes you into another direction causing a sense of "madness with meaning". Each direction of his paint strokes has a statement; not only creating his own "escape to an expressional place within" but helps you to escape finding your own expression/impression of what is being seen.

"Madness with meaning" are words that can be taken to have so many different meanings for each of us; however, William Ahern has found a way to put all of those meanings you have thought of into a "tangible vision." One can see their own thoughts emerge as the deliberate placement of color reaches out to you. But one asks is the placement of each color, each stroke, each splatter as deliberate as one would think? 

William feels when inspiration is achieved, he deliberately adds the colors of choice to take the work on a "directional inspired journey." Often more so than not, these "choices" seem to have a life of their own and are truly not choices but "inspiration", as William states, that allows his artistic talent to flow. The vivid colors catches your eye causing you to stop and become one with the flow of the direction the art work takes you. As seen in "Emerald Galaxy"

When you stop to think, you find thoughts are clearer or may have a "mind of their own" that becomes that "madness with meaning".  A more controlled thought is seen in "Mind Trap"

Looking at "Happier Times" you see fluidness but at the same time there are abrupt paint strokes that start diverting you into another direction, happenstance? or deliberate?

"Happier Times" - acrylics - by William Ahern

He has brought you in, he has brought you on a "directional inspired journey". To continue on this journey, visit Sobobo Gallery during the month of July to see William Ahern's exhibit. An exhibit reception will be held on Thursday, July 18th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Come see how "madness with meaning" can take you on a directional inspired journey.