The artistic coming-of-age of painter Tim Yanke is, like many coming-of-age stories, a tale of fits and starts and fertile spurts, interspersed, naturally, with periods of unintentional paralysis. But, Yanke’s determination, discipline and resilience, accompanied by a powerful voice of encouragement, the shadow of personal tragedies, and cherished memories of family vacations traversing the terrain of the endless American west, have kept his creative trajectory moving steadily forward.
Yanke’s artwork wasn’t born of inexperience or idealism; it arises from depths of maturity layered with years worth of trial-and-error. One of his most endearing qualities is the way in which he regularly ruminates about art as “a profession,” and the inherent responsibility he feels in his role as an artistic “narrator.” His reflections manifest themselves both in what we see within his work, and in what he leaves out, giving the viewer room to draw their own suppositions; arrive at their own conclusions. He thinks some stories appear more beguiling (he doesn’t reveal which those might be) when obscured, while others seem more striking for the viewer when they find meaning on their own.
The composition of his abstract works is drawn primarily from the music he has playing whenever he is in front of a canvas with a brush or other tool in hand. He doesn’t stop to read emails and almost always lets the ringing phone go unanswered. He says his extremely broad musical tastes are derived from two parents who adored music of all kinds, and that he thoroughly enjoys incorporating both song lyrics and titles into his work in a “loose, illegible scripty” manner. Most viewers can’t actually decipher it, which he prefers, because the veil of mystery makes for a deeper sense of intrigue and curiosity with the text/lyrics serving as a natural, organic design element.
Since he launched his career as a studio artist, Yanke says he has reconciled himself to the idea of achievement—he is, in fact, finally, a full-time, working artist. He concedes that he still finds it vaguely surreal to imagine that he has attained a modicum of artistic and financial success. However, he does confide that he never takes anything for granted and is quick to remind himself that he’s just doing what he loves, each and every day—-an immeasurable privilege often denied to many.
EXHIBITION
December 8, 2018 thru February 10, 2019
This exhibition is FREE and open to the public.
The MACC hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about the exhibition, contact Kathleen Johnson at admin@TheMACCTN.com or by calling (615) 822-0789.
OPENING RECEPTION
Meet the Artist
Saturday, December 8, 2018
6 – 9 PM
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR: PARKWEST FOUNDATION
Park West Gallery is the largest privately-owned art gallery in the world, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 2 million customers since 1969.
No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone.
The Park West Foundation, formed in 2006 with the mission of addressing the urgent needs of young adults aging out of foster care in Southeastern Michigan, the foundation now supports national and international programs that positively impact young adults and the environment.
Also Sponsored by:
• GoGo Gourmet
• Centerpoint Liquor
• Navarro Creative Group