As we began to make our highly anticipated call to Burton Morris, the phone rings. On the other line is the artist himself, a Post-Pop sensation whose creative ability has captivated American pop culture to the tee. Throughout all of his success, Morris does not allow the fame to affect his down-to-earth personality. Instead, he constantly tells us “No, no. Thank you!” But no Burton, thank you!
Burton Morris' high energy art is well known for its original iconographic interpretations of everyday items, along with a unique style of vibrant colors and bold lines. Drawing inspiration from old comic books as a child, Morris has transformed popular culture icons into works of fine art. As we talked with the artist, hard at work in his California studio, it became apparent he is excited about his return to Dallas for the unveiling of his Night Table exhibition.
When you realized you wanted to be an artist, how did you picture yourself making your first big break?
“I've been drawing my whole life and I didn't know how I was going to make a living at it. I just knew I wanted to do something art wise or design wise. It was that I love to create, so the plan was to focus on painting in the fine art world. I needed to figure out how to get my work out to the masses such as television, entertainment, and the media. I planned to expose my work and create outlets through art galleries and museum distribution.
I really pushed my style during the early 90s and when I got into my first gallery it was amazing. It was a major deal to me and it opened a lot of doors to excel in my career.”
Knowing that your artwork is inspired from artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, more specifically what inspires you about them?
“The truth is, I love comic books and cartoons. I didn't realize that there was such a great movement out there until I was much older. But, you know, Warhol did create opportunities for someone like myself. I just love this style and loved to draw in the comic book, pop art style.”
What is your most memorable experience throughout all of your success?
“There are so many experiences that opened doors for me. For instance, the 2004 Academy Awards chose me as their official artist that year and it was something that elevated my career to another level. Also, I was given the opportunity to show at a Sotheby's auction in Amsterdam as a one-man show. I've shown in Europe, been commissioned by presidents and prime ministers, I even did work for the White House this year, and that was huge! “
Tell us about your charity involvement.
“What comes to mind is the Andre Agassi foundation's 10th Anniversary Gran Slam for Children in 2005. In one evening, on my work alone, we raised over a million dollars. Just with my art! It was insane.
But there are so many other charities that I have been involved with such as the American Red Cross, Zimmer Children's Museum, Big Brother, Big Sister, and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.”
Knowing your clientele includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood, politics, and sports, is there anyone you haven't worked with?
“No there isn't actually,” he jokingly states.“No but really, I have worked with many people including Oprah and Brad Pitt, as well as doing commissions for Kanye West and President Obama. My goal is to keep evolving my style in an intelligent and smart way. I am building on my presence worldwide in getting my work in Asia, Europe, and Africa. I just want to expand my work to future generations to come.”
On September 11, 2010, Samuel Lynne Galleries has the pleasure to introduce Burton Morris' exhibition, Into the Night, with an artist reception from 6-9 p.m.
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THE GALLERY INSIDER
A look back into Summer Film Nights 2010
Samuel Lynne Galleries 2nd Annual 'Summer Film Night' sereies was a huge success this year. Selling out every month by showcasing riveting art films that conveyed an ever-deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art, the movies were enjoyed by all who attended. Besides educating the diverse audiences that it serves, the series also contributed to the Hunger Busters charity.
June started with the film premiere The Art of the Steal. The film chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than $25 billion. This gripping documentary, directed by Don Argott, is described as 'an un-missable look at one of the art world's most fascinating controversies,' and was a celebrated selection of the Toronto, New York and AFI Film Festivals.
The film selected for July, Painter's Painting, was a documentary that gave audiences an insight as to how “abstract” painters created their works. Originally released in 1973 but never before available on DVD, Painters Painting is the definitive documentary on the New York School of painters from 1940-1970. Director Emile de Antonio (Point of Order and Millhouse) interviews artists in their studios about their art from the period of Abstract Expressionism through Hard Edge and Color Field painting to Pop Art.
Closing the 'Summer Film Night' series was Herb and Dorothy, a film dedicated to the Vogels, a couple who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. He was a postal clerk. She was a librarian. Herb and Dorothy Vogel, whose shared passion and disciplines defied stereotypes and redefined what it means to be an art collector. As Herb so perfectly stated, "You don't have to be a Rockefeller to collect art.”
Samuel Lynne Galleries is a space that ignites minds, fuels creativity, and provides inspiration. Save the date for Summer 2011!
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REFLECTIONS
Welcome from Artist & co-Owner, JD Miller
Welcome to the launch of the inaugural issue of Samuel Lynne Galleries newsletter, “picture • this”. Myself, Gallery Directors, Janice Meyers and Courtney Feavel, along with Gallery Associates, Jenna McClelland and Marisa Seaman, have worked hard and want to share a ‘snapshot' of the gallery's past, present and future.
As we kick-off the gallery's third year in business, we are looking forward to hosting the return of Post-Pop Artist, Burton Morris on September 11. His new Night Table series displayed as part of the “Into the Night” exhibition are bold, exciting and a definite must-see!
October brings a change in landscape as I premiere my “California Dreamin' ” exhibition inspired by my travels to the coastline of Carmel/ Big Sur this past year. It is a journey that I invite everyone to take.
For the Holiday season, and as a limited engagement, Samuel Lynne Galleries will display our fine art within the Highland Park Village starting in late November!
Finally, we thank you all for the continued support and for making our first two years so successful.
Samuel Lynne Galleries 2nd Annual 'Summer Film Night' sereies was a huge success this year. Selling out every month by showcasing riveting art films that conveyed an ever-deeper understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art, the movies were enjoyed by all who attended. Besides educating the diverse audiences that it serves, the series also contributed to the Hunger Busters charity.
