Artist Spotlight

Cody Harrell

Name:  Cody Harrell

City:  Miami Beach and Greensboro, North Carolina

Birthplace:  Texas

Artistic Medium:  Mixed mediums, acrylics, oils, etc...

How did you get started?
I have been creating art since I was a little boy, as art was a way that I found I could express myself. I have always been fascinated with shapes and textures. This fascination lead me to mastering faux-finishes in my design work in North Carolina and here in Miami.  I incorporate a great deal of texture to my work, which creates a fluidity that seems to capture ones sense of calmness. I also enjoy the sense of accomplishment that I feel when I finish a project and see my clients’ enjoyment of my work.

Who or what are your influences?
I have been influenced by many of the masters over the years and have been trying to incorporate a little more of a local feel here in Miami as I observe the works of the local artists such as Bruce Tolman, Pablo Concristiani and others who have been very successful in this area.

What inspires your work?
I think my travels have really inspired my work.  I have visited all seven continents and I try and take back a little bit of the culture and colors that I experience and incorporate them in my design.

How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
Miami has a great deal of influence on my work.  I just love the light, sounds and action that is in the air, especially in the south beach area where I live. There is such a mixture of international culture that something always seems to catch my eye, whether walking along Lincoln Road or simply sitting by the pool relaxing in the sunlight.

How would you describe your work?
My work is rather abstract, as I always seem to use shapes as a form of language that is both recognizable and allows me to communicate my feelings as I am creating my art. The combination of textures and vivid colors seems to compliment the shapes and makes them speak even more.

What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
I think the most unusual reaction to my work is how a simple shape can communicate so much emotion and make people be drawn in to my paintings.

What would you like to achieve as an artist?
I guess that one might go for the obvious answer and say becoming a commercial success, but as long as I can be able to paint and create beautiful art for the public I will be happy. I also would like to have my own art gallery, as that would be the icing on the cake.

Upcoming shows
I will be spending a few months in the mountains of North Carolina and intend to be showing in the Boone, North Carolina area. Exact locations to be announced when finalized.

Where is your work available?
 At the present time my work can be viewed and is available on my website cccbycody.com

If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano at StarrWriter2000@aol.com