Roy Revels will show new works that he says will be “on the darker side,” consisting of various mixed media, sculpture and paintings at his opening today (July 15) from 5 to 8 p.m. in Down Creek Gallery.
“My work is more conceptual than anything else, and means to be thought provoking,” he says about his well-regarded abstract creations. “It gives individuals the opportunity to draw their own opinions about the work, rather than feed certain ideals and subject matter pertaining to the sculptures and paintings.”
Revels admits he does not like to “paint a pretty picture.”
“I do, however, paint a story,” he says, “a story where the viewer is forced into painting their own ending.”
Revels is a self-taught artist influenced by many different things, and likes to work in different media.
He likes to make people think and for his art to have a different meaning for each individual. With his 3-D sculptures, he often creates wire cages around his object.
Ocracoke is known for its fine artists and Revels, co-owner of Zillie’s Island Pantry, has been part of a local group of like-minded artists called the Ocracoke Five.
Composed of Bob Ray, Ann Ehringhaus, Debbie Wells and Barbara Hardy, the five have chosen to share their art collaboratively in outdoor exhibitions framed by unusual island locations, such as an abandoned WWII bunker and at the Ocracoke Convenience Site (the dump).
These exhibits are usually spontaneous happenings, advertised by word-of-mouth, and popular events among the local island population.
Revels has exhibited at many North Carolina galleries, from Manteo to Asheville.
Barbara Adams will conclude the month with a show July 29 of her newest paintings portraying Ocracoke and the natural elements of the Outer Banks and surrounding areas.
Down Creek Gallery “Expose Yourself to Art” openings feature refreshments and are open to all.
