Marcus James McCullough's Artist Statement

        A great artist once said “creativity takes courage” and I truly believe that statement. I believe that statement so much I painted it on the wall in my house then my wife painted over it. When an artist paints his or her vision on a canvas they are letting you glimpse inside their mind. Their paintings can be a doorway to the artist’s mind that exposes a fear, a love, a memory, a hope, a vision, a secret, the list goes on and on. My paintings could be a link or even a doorway between me and, yes you, the viewer.

          I enlisted in the United States Army and did two tours overseas in Kosovo and Iraq. In Kosovo I learned how lucky Americas are and in Iraq I learned how evil people could be. I have seen things no human these days should ever have to visualize and smells I never want to smell again. A teacher in art school told me I should put those images on canvas but why would I paint something I am trying to forget? I am very proud of my time in the Army. Veterans out there that are down-and-out… you have a reason… be strong.

          I became an artist truly because I love to paint and be creative. Place a bunch of anything in front of me and I can create something beautiful out of it. As a child I would draw people in a caricature way and hoped to draw next big comic book character. The first teacher to ever tell me I had a talent was an art teacher. One day in my mid-twenties I watched the movie “Frida”, went to Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and then I went to an art store to buy paints, brushes and a canvas. Then years later I signed up to take classes at SAIC. Thank you Frida.

          I paint because I love to express vision or thought with paint. My place in the art world involves a beautiful canvas, a delicious craft beer or single barrel scotch single barrel, something else, and as much paint as I can afford. I place the paint onto the canvas and move the paint around with a palette knife, brush, or really anything and don't stop until my vision is completed. I want my paintings to create an emotional connection that leaves the viewer enlighten or even exasperated. I paint whatever the fuck I want and have no limitations to my art. Enjoy