SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Art can teleport people into a different reality.
The Cazenovia Artisans Art Gallery displays “Human Nature”, an exhibit with work by Bob Ripley.
Ripley is a Vietnam War Veteran who attended Syracuse University upon returning home.
As a soldier, Ripley painted watercolors and sketched to keep his mind sharp.
“I think back then it was an escape for me in that when I paint, I get totally absorbed in what I’m painting”
“In other words, if I’m doing an Adirondack [painting]…, I’m in the Adirondacks.”
Ripley’s paintings focus on outdoor scenes in realism, mentally bringing him to wherever he is painting.
He says art can be used to escape the everyday troubles of life.
Located on Water Street in Syracuse, the “Sarge-poureum” Art Gallery and Studio is owned by veteran Richard Rodriguez.
New artists can go anytime and use any medium of art they wish at this studio.
Rodriguez opens his studio when a customer needs it.
He does not have set hours because he says art should be available to everyone.
“Art is important we could go ahead and express ourselves. It’s a way we could tell stories”
“I think it’s a very important tool for self-diagnostic within ourselves”
These artists say that creating art is an important form of expression.
