Richard Painter illuminates the present moment in his work. Paraphrasing poet T.S. Eliot, Painter is exploring the point at which life takes place. More than a decade ago, he began using fire as an art technique. By burning marks into the surface of wood, he is able to create a vision of synthesis and energy in a tangible form. Burned planks and industrial supplies, such as lead and steel, are combined with images of birds, moths and roses to illustrate the drama and tension created at the point where opposing forces meet, one of the enduring themes of his work.

Painter who lives and works in Smithville, TN, has been featured in many solo exhibitions including shows at the Zeitgeist Gallery in Nashville; the Cannon County Art Center in Woodbury, TN; and the Susan Key Galleries in Knoxville, TN. He was also invited to participate in three different international cultural exchanges, the Israel/Tennessee Cultural Exchange sponsored by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the "Maskeraden" International Symposium in Erfurt, Germany and the Christoph Merian International Exchange in Basel, Switzerland sponsored by Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN).

Shown Right: Black Music, charred wood, 48" x 48"

Arts at the Airport receives funding for the visual arts from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). Music performances are sponsored by MNAA, Delaware North Companies, Inc. and The Paradies Shops. The Flying Solo Exhibition Series is funded in part under an agreement with the TAC and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information about Arts at the Airport, please call (615)275-1614 or visit www.artsattheairport.com.