Silent Sparrow by Bernard Hoyes. Created for The45Show. Photo by LaVera Hoyes© 2011
Bernard Hoyes
Bernard Hoyes is a painter and graphic artist. He began as an artist in New York and Vermont. He sold his first piece, a scuplture, as a teenager in Vermont. “I gave myself a 5 year ultimatum, after I got my BFA to do some meaningful Art, that would get me some recognition and some rewards. If not,I will get a job” recalled Bernard. Thankfully for the world Bernard is still an artist 30+ years later.
Thoughts About Art
“Today we have to compete against TV, Internet, Film and more”, exclaimed Mr. Hoyes. I understand what he means as I am pulled in several directions all the time. All mediums are fighting for our attention. Bernard continued, “The power of the artistic process has changed over the eras”. What I gathered from speaking to Mr. Hoyes is that he believes the artist plays an important role in our lives. He confirmed my thoughts when he said, “Art is anticipation. Anticipation tugs at the emotions, it’s in the artist and the audience. It’s volatile, everybody suffers from it. It creates a highly charged atmosphere”. As I reach back into my memory, I picture The45Show, I see that anticipation happening as clearly as when I was there. Beautiful!
The 45 Show
“I worked out my concept before I left for Jamaica. I got back a few days before we were doing the hanging for the show. I created it the day before I hung the piece”, explained Bernard. Amazing!
I met Bernard three days before the opening of The45show. He walked into Twenty Miles East Gallery in Pomona California, with his wife, LaVera. Bernard rolled out a long cloth onto the floor and he began forming his installation piece. Next thing I knew, he was on a ladder and he started stapling his art, one piece at a time. It was the first time I had ever seen an artist building a piece in front of my eyes. It was an exceptional experience. Unfortunately I had to leave before the piece was complete. Three days later when I arrived at the opening, I was moved by Bernard’s piece.
The piece, “SILENT SPARROW”
“Records were revolutionary. Today, we take it for granted, in the early days, only those who were connected made records. I was trying to create a Bluesman, walking through the country side. A representative of the unknown artist”. I was on the phone speaking to Mr. Hoyes but his statement hit me as hard as a punch in the nose. It was profound, beautiful and sad all in one sentence. Unfortunately he is right. Many artists are never discovered from lack of resources, lack of knowledge and most sadly out of fear of failure. I love that he put that much thought into his incredible piece.
I thanked Bernard for his time and asked if he had anything else to say before I let him go. He humbly replied, “It’s not about me. It’s about my work. The art. I still have yet to create my best work. My drive to do good creative work is future driven”. I can’t wait to work again, with Bernard Hoyes in that future.
Robert Rodriguez
Tags: Bernard Hoyes, bluesman, graphic artist, painter, Pomona California, record art, recycled art, Silent Sparrow, the 45 show, the45show, Twenty Miles East Gallery, vinyl art
