Bill  Carman  

Solo  Exhibition  at  Brumfield’s  Gallery  March  16  –  April  28  

 Brumfield’s   Gallery   is   thrilled   to   announce   its   upcoming  exhibition   featuring   the   work   of   Bill  Carman.    Following  his  successful  exhibitions  in  California  and  New  York,  Carman  is  returning  to  Idaho  to  present   a   much   anticipated   “hometown”   show   here   in  Boise.    The   gallery   owners,   Mike   and  Jane  Brumfield,   have  represented  Carman’s  work   for   the  past   three   years   at   the  Basement  Gallery,   and  look  forward  to  hosting  this  show  in  their  new  location  in  Hyde  Park.  The  exhibition  will  feature  a  strong  body  of  previously  un-­‐shown  paintings  collected  by  the  gallery  over  the  past  year  alongside  a  collection  of  sketches  and  drawings  from  fresh  from  the  artist’s  studio.    Bill   Carman   has   won   awards   for   his   illustration   and   fantastic  paintings   from   many   prestigious  institutions,   including   Spectrum   and   the  Society   of   illustrators.   He   currently   works   at   Boise   State  University,  where  he  is  a  tenured  professor  of  drawing  and  illustration.    Carman   has   long   contributed   to   a   quirky   aesthetic   that  dominates   Boise’s   art   scene   and   makes   it  particularly   unique.    Defying   categorization,   the   artist  produces  work   that   both   delights   and  astounds.    Working   without   restrictions   allows   Carman   to   create   figures   and   scenes  directly   from   his  dreams;   everything  from  a  vampire   rabbits   to  horned  dogs   to  an  octopus-­‐bunny  hybrid   are   allowed   to  run   rampant   throughout   his   art.    Carman   is   unrestrained   when   allowing   his  subject   matter   to   reveal  itself.    Viewed  as  a  whole,  the  artist’s  work  has  some  recurring  imagery,  a  tendency  that  hints  of  a  hidden  iconography  intriguing  the  viewer,  drawing  them  further  into  this  alluring  unreality.        Carman   is   able   to   execute   this   distinctive   imagery  with   an  incredibly   refined   technique   –   the   result   of  years  of  producing  work  as  a  professional  artist   and  teacher.    Carman  has  honed  his  meticulous   skill   in  order   to   allow  his   imaginative   voice   to   flow  freely,   creating  pieces   that   are   at   once  humorous,   precise,  and  visually  striking.    Carman   has   also   developed   over  the   years   a   curiosity   in   his   own  imaginings.    Letting  his  own  subjects  evolve   for  themselves  keeps  the  artist  inquisitive  and  the  artwork  original.    He  challenges   himself   to   make   things   that   will   resonate   with   his   audience,  believing   in   the  realization  of  a  piece  before  putting   it   to  physical   form.    The   inventiveness  of  his  work  manifests   in  his  materials  as  well.    Paintings,  drawings,  and  illustrations  may  find  themselves  on  paper,  wood,  and  copper.    The  show  will  be  have  a  public  opening  on  Saturday,  March  16  running  from  6pm  till  9pm  with  a  pay  bar  provided  by  13th  Street  Pub  &  Grill.  The  exhibition  continues  through  Sunday,  April  28,  open  to  visitors  seven  days  a  week  -­‐  Monday  to  Friday,  10  a.m.  –  5  pm,  Saturdays  and  Sundays,  12  p.m.–  4  p.m.