Here are my notes about Hamilton's journey as an artist and the trials and tribulations of following his passion. There are some additional resources posted below.
Who is HAM? The Online Portfolio
CLICK HERE for a great article on Hamilton Glass
- From Philadelphia, PA
- Mom recognized his artistic talent at an early age and put him in a million art classes
- At the time, he didn't "want to be taught," he just wanted to "make art"... now he recognizes the necessity of these lessons in building the skills that he is now using on a daily basis
- Graduated from Hampton University in 2005 with degree in architecture; worked in his field and moved to Richmond in 2007 (cheaper cost of living)
- Lost his job during the recession of 2009 (no $ to build things = less of a need for architects)
- Made art with the extra time - just to "make art," not "to become an artist"
- Worked for himself, showed his work as much as he could - then someone saw it, loved it, and asked for it to be on the side of a building
- This started the love for mural painting (although he was very familiar with the famous mural program in Philadelphia, he had never painted a mural before. Took a risk and tried it.
- He credits the hard task of getting through an architecture program with developing his ability to "do anything."
- In 2009, RVA was not covered in murals as it is now (Philadelphia had been for years) - this was a new thing here - not everyone appreciated it - one of his murals was considered "controversial" (the one he painted it over with was about censorship!)
- 2012, RVA is now beginning to be known for its murals but... he is concerned with the fact that many of the murals seemed to be simply about personal expression and were disconnected from the specifics of the Richmond community and culture (many of the mural artists were from out of town/country and did not have that connection to/understanding of RVA)
- Started working WITH the community, especially schools, to paint murals that could make a personal/community/historical connection with those viewing them
- His work is constantly changing/maturing as he continues to practice/work/study new techniques & processes
- "The hardest part of my job is not painting, it is managing the projects."
Who is HAM? The Online Portfolio
CLICK HERE for a great article on Hamilton Glass
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