Richard Mothes, Artist Statement
Growing up in East Hampton, NY has given me a very unique perspective on life. I was lucky enough to experience a childhood free of crime, the ability to wander through nature without concern for one’s well-being, and the freedom to explore the area on two wheels without a care in the world. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Over-crowding , Climate change, a changing social dynamic and pollution have burst the bubble that I used to live in.
Initially I focused the majority of my work on what it’s like for the current generation of children being raised in the area and how they deal with the everyday issues faced here. How do they compensate for the overcrowding in their schools? How do they overcome the stresses of a new global form of communication (Social Media)? How are they impacted by the growing number of polluted ponds and waterways?
I was pleasantly surprised to see that they continue to participate in a lot of the activities present before the technical age. However, I have also been mystified at how much time is spent in front of some type of screen for one reason or another. Throughout history people have looked for ways of escaping the monotony of day to day life. It could have been by engrossing one’s self in a book, attending a play, or listening to a concert. There is a fine line between culture, entertainment, and escaping your current existence for a manufactured one. With the advent of social media and hand-held devices we are now capable of living multiple lives of varying consciousness simultaneously. Something that I'm sure our ancestors were not subjected to.
To me, part of being an artist is asking questions or looking at certain areas of life that may need explaining and research for my growth as a person and member of society. Sometimes I look into theories that may contradict my own personal beliefs and sometimes I try to help solidify what I am already feeling. I like to keep an open mind for explanations, and hope that anyone viewing and attempting to understand my artwork will do the same:
Right now, my newest series is based on revelations that I've come to over the past few years regarding where I am in my life and where I want to go. We all come to crossroads at different points in our lives where we realize what has become important to us. How some of the decisions that we've chosen to make or not make have brought us to where we are.
2014
Group Show Ashawagh Hall, Springs NY
Group Show Crazy Monkey Gallery, Amagansett NY
2015
Focused Artist The Whiteroom Gallery, Bridgehampton NY
2015
Group Show Ashawagh Hall, Springs NY
2016
Group Show Ashawagh Hall, Springs NY
2017
Group Show Ashawagh Hall, Springs NY
Group Show "Jeezum Crow Art Walk", Lyndonville VT
Juried Competition Selection Catamount Arts, St Johnsbury VT
2019
Hamptons Juried Show Finalist, RJD Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY
Artist for The Clamshell Foundation Sandcastle Contest Benefit, Amagansett, NY
