Craig Hawkins

Artist Statement

Hawkins’ work enhances the beauty of the world around us through the expression of a rich and deeply spiritual faith. Mediating on the word of God, Hawkins hones in on elemental truths of the Bible. The artist creates vivid imagery through transcendental compositions, high contrast narratives, and expressive mark making. The result is an intriguingly unique perspective on religious themes. Hawkins describes his work as, “the evidence of taking truth and imagining it”. Of his work Hawkins says, “Definition is central to my work. Both the statement of the exact meaning of a word and the degree of distinctness in the rendering of an image, especially of an image in a drawing or painting. Defining parameters becomes a catalyst for my imagination”. Brilliantly honest, his work moves beyond the confines of the canvas to provoke vivacity, challenging the viewer to see with new eyes.

The artist uses paint and charcoal to illustrate and unite the dynamic nature of the world around us with specific scriptural references. Using media as a form of conversation, the canvas becomes an open journal to actively demonstrate the work of his hands. Each mark is wholly significant, a means used to thrust the viewer into a matrix of emotion. Through Hawkins integrity in creation, the viewer moves closer to the truth, feelings, and experiences of the body.