Welcome David Carrigan as Ledge Craft Lane’s Artist of the Month for January 2016! Here are David’s own words about his passion for art.
“Artistic inspiration comes from many different sources, and I would have to say that I’ve been inspired by all the people, places and things that I have seen in my life. I had formal art instruction from both Kellogg and Lansing Community Colleges in Michigan. However, my interest in art started much earlier when I began drawing at about the age of four. For the next several years, I attended a small country school outside of Charlotte, Michigan which had a nice little library that stimulated my imagination. One of my favorite books was called
The world we live in, which had great illustrations of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and jungles from around the world. I read many of the books. Most of them had pictures and illustrations which first I copied but then later began to envision and create my own images. Further inspiration came from exploring the woods and fields, and from hiking along the river near my home. I drew every day and was encouraged by my parents and especially a grandmother who would put my pictures on her wall for display.
Later as a young man, I traveled in the US and Canada. Hiking and seeing such picturesque places like the Rockies, the Redwoods, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon gave me appreciation for the beauty in nature. As the years went by, I studied many different artists and developed my technique. There is a saying which I like: ‘Stand on the shoulders of giants.’ This is so true. All artists are influenced and inspired by other artists! We are all given a gift: something we can do. I believe that art is a gift from God. That spirit, which created the universe, created my passion for art and therefore any beauty that comes from my hand, comes from God.
I like to tell stories with pictures and strive not only to entertain but to inform and inspire those who view my artwork. To me, the world is a magical place and I hope that through the images I create, people will feel and be touched by that magic.”
Please join David and his friends on Saturday, January 23rd from 2-4pm for his artist’s reception at Ledge Craft Lane, 120 S. Bridge Street in Grand Ledge. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
