Artwork copyright David Green. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

A Fandango of the Heart, 1993

David Green
(American, born 1951)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist David Green created the abstract painting 'Fandango of the Heart' out of old windows he found in an abandoned farmhouse in Eastern Washington. The rich surfaces of old walls and weathered objects inspired his layered and scratched composition. He notes, "To accept scarred surfaces, barred windows, and broken doorways, as metaphors for aspects of human existence means we can accept the pain and wounds that texture our hearts and reveal our souls." This piece is part of his Fandango series, featuring quick and colorful strokes of oil pastel over the scarred surface. He describes these strokes as "a visual reminder that in the stressful processes of life, it is nice to just take a break and dance a 'little gig' – a fandango – and to embrace a little bit of foolishness to energize the human spirit."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bellingham School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist David Green creates mixed-media sculptures and paintings that explore the relationship between destruction and creation.

David Green received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1978. He served as a Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Western Washington, from 1979 to 1982, among other teaching positions.