About Artist Brian C. Zickafoose
Brian C. Zickafoose - Artist Statement
I create, therefore I am.
My artistic endeavors serve as the visual culmination of a lifelong pursuit for a more inclusive truth, as well as expressions of beauty and goodness inherent in the cosmos. The act of creating art, in my view, is an essential endeavor that embraces both humanity and spirituality. By crafting aesthetically pleasing works for personal fulfillment, I contribute to a greater collective appreciation.
My artistic approach seamlessly blends elements of nature with geometric patterns and symmetry, illuminating the inherent beauty of life in its myriad forms. These creations are conceived as instruments for expanding consciousness, unlocking portals to the boundless possibilities of existence.
Functioning as a catalyst for personal growth, spiritual expansion, and societal transformation, my art aims to inspire introspection and a heightened awareness of the impact of our actions on others and the Earth. Born in 1976 in Summersville, West Virginia, amidst the hills, I draw inspiration from a childhood on a country farm within a deeply religious community. Nature and spirituality consistently thread through the glorious tapestry of my life, a tradition I strive to weave into my artistic expression.
My artistic journey includes formal education at Pasadena City College under the tutelage of renowned printmaker Michael Barnes, mentorship in the oil painting tradition of Flemish masters by the late artist David E. Weaver, and the study of visionary painting under Alex Grey and Allyson Grey. Drawing from these time-honored disciplines, I have forged a contemporary visionary style, uniquely shaped by my subjective experiences and worldview.
To me, the act of creation is sacred, and painting is a devotional practice akin to prayer. Art, for me, is a form of religion, an expression fueled by love.
Selected Exhibitions
2021 - Atlantic Antic, Brooklyn, NY - Solo Exhibition
2018 - Present - Mountain Music Festival, New River Gorge, WV - Official Festival Artist
2019 - Hudson Valley Vegfest, Kingston, NY - Group Exhibition
2019 - Gallery Fifty5, Kingston, NY: Psychedelic Country - Solo Exhibition
2018 - Art Emporium, Charleston, WV: Psychedelic Country - Solo Exhibition
2018 - 10th Annual Tamarack: Best of West Virginia Open Juried Exhibition
2016 - ArtWalk, Charleston, WV - Deacon & Deacon Insurance - Live Painting/Solo Exhibition
2016 - The Grove, Fayetteville, WV - Solo Exhibition
2005 - 2014 - Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival, Roanoke, VA - Official Artist / Chair Art Director
2014 - Ripple, Roanoke, VA - Solo Exhibition
2013 - 2014 - Fayetteville Arts Coalition, Fayetteville, WV - Resident Artist
2012 - 2014 - One Block East Gallery, Roanoke, VA - Resident Artist
2010 - 2012 - Art Beyond Center at Center in the Square, Roanoke, VA - Resident Artist
2011 - 2012 - MystiCon, Roanoke, VA - Guest Artist / Panelist
2010 - Lupercalia, Roanoke, VA - Duo Exhibition with Danny Phillips
2008 - 2009 - Gang of Lost Souls, Roanoke, VA - Group Exhibition
2004 - 2005 - Boston Freedom Rally, Boston, MA - Official Artist
Awards
2017 - Professional Development Grant Recipient - West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment of the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts
2015 - American Advertising Award, Gold Local - Illustration
2015 - American Advertising Award, Silver Regional - Illustration
2013 - American Advertising Award, Silver Local - Illustration
2010 - American Advertising Award, Gold Local - Advertising for the Arts
2010 - American Advertising Award, Silver Regional - Advertising for the Arts
2008 - Best Local Artist - CITY Magazine, Roanoke, VA
2008 - Best Kept Art Secret - CITY Magazine, Roanoke, VA
2005 - Neighbor of the Year - Old Southwest Inc., Roanoke, VA - For Excellence in Illustration
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Even More About the Artist
Brian Zickafoose, an acclaimed commercial artist, delves into vibrant, illuminated realms, capturing the divine essence of the animal kingdom and the human spirit through his work. Despite his inclination to discuss the potentiality of parallel dimensions, intergalactic adventures, and time travel, Brian takes pride in being the devoted father of two beautiful daughters. Presently, he calls upstate New York, near the Hudson River, his home.
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What is Psy-Country?
Psychedelic Country, often referred to as Psy-Country, emerges as a distinctive sub-genre within the Visionary Art Movement. Originating in 2013, this genre finds its roots in a series of oil paintings by West Virginia's sacred artist, Brian C. Zickafoose. These artworks delve into the mystical realms of nature, offering a unique exploration.
Central to the Psy-Country Series are paintings that showcase a harmonious blend of stylized geometry and imaginative flora, harmonizing with realistically depicted animals within psychedelic country landscapes.
For all Psy-Country licensed art and merchandise, visit PsyCountry.com, the official online shop. We take pride in offering products made in America, ensuring sustainability in our sourcing. For wholesale inquiries, feel free to contact us at Hello@BrianZickafoose.com.