Showcasing pieces from local artist Nathaniel Hicks, on Thursday, March 2, the Savannah River Brewing Co. will host a gallery exhibit for one night only from 7 to 11 p.m.
Hicks, a military biomedical repairman by day, said he is often inspired by colors and the feelings they evoke within himself during different phases of life.
“I usually just start with a base color for the background,” he said. “And then I kind of develop it into an inspiration of what to do with it … I think a lot of it has to do with where I am emotionally at the time, and how I feel when I’m painting … it’s almost like a journey in itself.”
Hicks said he often avoids having a set plan for what he wants to create, and rather enjoys allowing the colors and art to guide him through the creating process.
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“There’s a lot of different motivations, but all of it really starts from me not really having an idea,” he said. “Just starting somewhere and building on it, and letting it kind of take a life of its own.”
Favoring abstract art that sometimes mimics Jackson Pollock, from his own pieces, Hicks hopes each person will be able to look at something ordinary, and see it from an unexpected perspective. He always strives to paint tangible, everyday things from a flipped perspective to engage audiences with a familiar subject in a foreign manner.
“A lot of it are paintings of things people don’t necessarily consider … the whole thing is about your perceived reality versus what reality is or the reality you desire,” he said. “I want them to look at something, and then it evoke an emotion that maybe something their normal day wouldn’t have evoked; I want my art to draw something out from within them – I never want to tell people how a painting ‘should’ make them feel.”
Hicks admittedly favorite part is creating pieces that will cause viewers to have conversations. Influenced by growing up in an era of photography and digital technology, he feels abstract art allows audiences to compare their different points of views.
“People look at it and they see different things than I see sometimes, and I think ‘oh wow, I never thought of it like that,’” he said. “I want a painting that is going to draw out feelings and emotions, questions and answers and propositions – something that just gets people talking.”
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Besides painting, Hicks also dabbles in “a little bit of everything” from sewing and podcasting, to DJing and karaoke. He is also involved with several community organizations and businesses, because he believes in supporting local efforts – such as the Savannah River Brewing Co.
“I just think it’s important. There’s less personability when you deal with big corporations and all these commercial entities. The brewery is a great example; when you’re dealing with local [businesses], you grow into that environment, and you become a part of it,” he said. “Just supporting locals in general – why not keep our money, and our time and efforts here in Augusta.”
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With the upcoming event being his first gallery showing, Hicks said is anxious and excited to display his works to the community. As someone who is hypercritical of his own art, he is looking forward to knowing how audiences will view his usage of color.
“I think that’s what drives me to keep going, because I want to get better and I want to progress,” he said. “I don’t care if people like it or not, I just hope it causes them to look at a different perspective … I just want people to enjoy.”
Near downtown Augusta, the Savannah River Brewing Co. is located at 813 Fifth St. and will be hosting Hicks’ art gallery on March 2.
To view other events the brewery will host, visit: https://www.savannahriverbrew.com/taproom-calendar
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
