Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, WY is pleased to present a new exhibition for Rocky Hawkins, June 11-25, 2024.

Please join us for the Artist Reception Thursday, June 13th, 5-8pm and Meet the Artist.

"Painting gives me the freedom to be who I am. At times, the simple arrangement of the colors in life are an inspiration. I get the satisfaction that I have created an expression that awakens my personal spirit and human passion.” -Rocky Hawkins

The 13 Truths

In this new collection of paintings, Rocky Hawkins explores a multi-layered fictional narrative of the 13 Truths. Each painting is embellished with a symbol that represents one of these honorable Truths or qualities. These symbols, or characters, are Rocky’s own depictions inspired from ancient forms of writing and communication kindred to Shodo, Japanese calligraphy. The characters are paired with a suitable representation in each painting in which it is entitled.

These imagined pieces exhibit influences of a historic and extraordinary type of Japanese painting called Ukiyo-e (paintings from the floating world) where patterns and designs are entangled with nature, animals, figures and heroes. The Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi (perfectly imperfect) is also evident. He then weaves these expressions into his own identifiable contemporary style. West Meets East if you will!

Rocky Hawkins was born in 1950 in Seattle Washington and grew up in small towns near the Cascade Mountains. After finishing high school, he enrolled in college art classes then later attended the Burnley School of Art in Seattle, WA. He had the opportunity to study with various notable master painters as well. His art career began with illustration and commercial art, but he found it didn’t fulfill his creative need and desire for self-expression.

This realization led to his introduction into the world of fine art painting where he eventually settled on an 1860’s ranch in Montana after living and painting in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“As a painter of fine art, I am in a constant state of challenging myself in technique, subject and mediums. By allowing myself to not be afraid to grow, I can take that necessary risk and journey of self -discovery. I explore atypical compositions, styles and color pallets while remaining authentic to myself. My approach to painting has always been nontraditional and I am drawn to the mysterious and unknown where not everything is easily explainable."

Pre-sales available. Contact the gallery for details, (307) 739-4700, connect@altamiraart.com.