Brian C. Zickafoose – Artist Statement
I create, therefore I am.

My artwork is the visual manifestation of my lifelong quest for a more inclusive truth and expressions of beauty and goodness that are found throughout the cosmos.

Creating art is a necessary act that embraces both humanity and spirituality; by creating something beautiful for myself, I create something for all.

My work intertwines elements of nature with geometric patterns and symmetry, illuminating the beauty of life in all its forms. My creations are meant to be tools for expanding consciousness and tapping portals to the infinite possibilities of existence.

I use my art as a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth and social transformation within myself and others. I aspire to paint powerful depictions that inspire a higher calling in all of us, to become more aware of how our actions affect others, and to become better stewards of the Earth.

Born in 1976 in Summersville, West Virginia, I am a true son of the hills. Growing up on a country farm to deeply religious folk, nature and spirituality have been consistent threads in the glorious tapestry of my life, a tradition I strive to weave through my art.

I studied art at Pasadena City College under renowned printmaker Michael Barnes, I was mentored by the late artist David E. Weaver in the oil painting tradition of the great Flemish masters and I studied visionary painting under Alex Grey and Allyson Grey. Borrowing from these time-tested disciplines, I have forged a contemporary visionary style that is unique to my own subjective experiences and worldview.

To create is sacred. Painting is an act that I regard as devotional and I use it as prayer. Art is my religion, driven 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 is an award-winning commercial artist, whose work explores vibrant, illuminated realms and the divine nature of the animal kingdom and the human spirit. Although he has a penchant for debating the possibility of parallel dimensions, intergalactic adventure, and time travel, Brian is the proud father of two beautiful daughters and currently resides in upstate New York near the Hudson River.