Harry Powers
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Potent childhood memories, those treasured experiences, often become the matrix of an artist’s work. So it is with Harry Powers who as a very small child saw a native American ceremonial dance around a bonfire at night. The intensity of watching the drama of flickering light and shadow, coupled with the presence of the proud focused dancers gave Harry a first glimpse into the passionate world of the imagination.

He spent his boyhood years camping and fishing in the wilderness of Idaho with ... view more »

ARTIST LAUREATE AWARD INFO

What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?

The Fellowship provided money to buy a large air compressor for my studio. It has been powering tools there ever since. It was a godsend.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

I work each day in my studio on painting and sculpture. I think the work is constantly evolving. I continue to be deeply interested in primal cultures and cosmology and find rapport between them. They feed my imagination. I have been artist in residence at institutions in England, France, and Australia which gave me opportunities to study many neolithic sites. I continue to have strong feeling for the quality of the materials I use for their own sake. My back has requested more painting and less sculpture. To see my works, go to the albums on my website: www.harrypowers.com

Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?

Most of all be true to yourself and your concepts. Do not think of merchandising while you are working or it will surely compromise the quality of your work. If something sells later it is gravy but do not make work for the purpose of sales or you become an uninspired mechanic.

Locally not nourished.