"To me, a true work of art can be described as a juxtaposition of complexity and simplicity. Art must be filled with strong emotional content and be based on the perception, expectations and experiences of the artist. I always make every effort to create my paintings based on these three concepts, but most especially, art must be timeless, with as much intrinsic relevance in today’s world as in the future.

The most obvious attribute of my work is the use of color as a means of expression. In addition, I enhance the color content of each canvas with touches of light and shadows by using texture and three-dimensional forms to add emphasis to the desired effect. For the most part, I rely on colors as a major element in projecting the emotional content in my works. One of the major objectives in creating my paintings is in my desire to fulfill an emotional response, rather than focusing on the subject matter.

I always choose to present my work in strong, bold colors, with an overall reliance on lines and forms to give it its distinctive nature. Through the use of these colors and forms, the subject is transformed into its essential, formative concepts, both of simple and complex nature.

As an artist I am constantly searching for diverse formats to express myself. This search has not only enabled me to create artworks that are unique and relevant to modern trends, but has also enhanced my aspiration of being innovative and resourceful, by creating imaginative, thought-provoking pieces."

Studio 180 Salon and Lucid Element Multimedia are proud to support our local arts community by serving as a host venue for 2011 Cary Art Loop Final Friday events. On the final Friday of select months, we feature a local artist with a reception and cocktail from 6-8 pm. So, come join us at the studio for great works, wine and hors de' oeuvres and get in the Loop

This month through October 2011, we are pleased to show works by artist Jack Stone. Jack grew up in the city of Baltimore and the surrounding countryside. He worked in his youth on farms and ranches, and traveled all 50 states with family. After a years tour with the Marine Corps as a medic in Vietnam, Jack took a BA in Journalism from U MD and studied art at Maryland School of Art and Design. He completed an MFA at UNCG.

After a career in the graphic arts industry, Jack has taught art and painted since 2002. His paintings include rural subject matter, and have been collected regionally. Jack and Paula Stone have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Visit Jack's website at www.brushfirestudios.org.

Faye is a local artist, albeit a bit of a world traveler. Her background played an extensive role in creating her broad artistic vision - due in part to her father’s military career and her nomadic lifestyle, which continued throughout her adult life.

Early childhood years were spent living on the edge of the jungle in Panama. Her family frequently boated throughout the Caribbean - especially to Trinidad and neighboring islands. In later years, she lived in Europe.

The colorful tropical influences, diverse cultures, and Asian furnishings that filled her childhood home, add a definite flavor to her paintings. Faye’s creative spirit was always there gathering notes as she found her way back to her native home in North Carolina. Her works are true reflections of rich and unique cultural influences.

“Painting is like breathing to me - unconscious and necessary.”