Artist Tony Skinner is a figurative artist and illustrator. His work is characterized by layered illustrations of people. Color and texture are two of the tools he uses as he explores the human figure and condition. This body of work deals with the housing insecurity problem that continues to plague our country in every community—Skinner noticed the problem magnified in San Diego while visiting his in-laws. The warmer weather draws people to areas where the climate allows them to be outside all year. Skinner shared his experience:

“It was so unsettling to see these great numbers of homeless people sleeping on park benches right on the San Diego Bay, and parked directly behind them were dozens and dozens of yachts. The contradictions in lifestyles were very eye-opening and apparent. It made me dig deeper into this subject and I became immersed in it with my art. We all do it. We walk past a homeless person, pretending not to see them. My illustrations counter this instinct and allow the viewer to behold what they often avoid. The illustrations encourage a long look into each person’s eyes, an exploration of the hardened faces and an observation of loneliness and despair, and beauty.”

Skinner’s work begs us to see humanity in all people and suggests that we should see the individual and not the circumstance when we encounter anyone out in the world. These visual stories come to life through his unique creations.

BAYARTS
28795 Lake RoadBay Village, Ohio 44140BAYarts.net440.871.6543

EVENTS:

In Plain Sight: Tony Skinner, October 11–November 9. Opening 5-8pm Friday, October 11 in the Sullivan Family Gallery