Beverly McIver: Painters I Love
November 16, 2024 - January 18, 2025

Painters I Love features works by Michael Dixon, Richard Garrison, Clarence Heyward, Pedro Lasch, William Paul Thomas and Lamar Whidbee. For this show, McIver selected artists that she believes are modern masters in the art of painting. “Michael, Richard, Clarence, Pedro, William and Lamar are members of my art family” she says, “they are very talented creatives, and we have all been longtime supporters of each other.”

The exhibiting artists paint in a variety of styles, from figurative to non-representational. The common thread in their work, McIver explains, is that “they are not afraid to be vulnerable when creating, they enjoy expressing a bit of humanity through paint. We all understand that our craft is our first love, and we will support each other unconditionally.”

As the guest curator, Beverly McIver says that her goal with this exhibition is to “invite viewers on a journey to explore relationships between friends and fellow artists, creating a harmonious voice about humanity and vulnerability.”

STATEMENT

As a Black male interdisciplinary artist raised in the serene embrace of Rural North Carolina, I embark on a creative journey that harmonizes my dual identity as both an artistic visionary and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. My artistic endeavors serve as a resonant amalgamation of these two worlds, as I draw deeply from my professional insights to craft pieces that resonate with profound themes of mental health and parenting

Using a rich tapestry of oil, acrylic, charcoal graphite, and an array of mediums, I fashion my canvases into portals that delve into the intricate complexities of the human psyche. Each stroke and texture mirrors the intricate layers of emotions and experiences that define our lives. Through my creations, I aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, inviting viewers into a shared space of understanding and empathy.

The visual narratives I weave speak of the struggles and triumphs, the shadows and the light that shape our emotional landscapes. In a society often hushed about its vulnerabilities, my art shouts courageously, unearthing buried truths and fostering a profound sense of catharsis. It is an invitation for introspection, a mirror to reflect upon our own journeys.

Being intimately familiar with the dynamics of both mental health and parenthood, I aspire to spark dialogues that have remained dormant for far too long. My art becomes a bridge, connecting personal stories to universal truths, and inviting discourse on subjects that are pivotal yet seldom discussed openly.

In essence, my artistic expression is an homage to the transformative potency of creativity. It serves as a testament to the intricate relationship between the human mind and the artistic process, and how they can come together to mend, uplift, and inspire. My journey as an artist is an odyssey of personal growth intertwined with a broader societal narrative—one brushstroke at a time.