: Visual artist
Cole Shelton primarily works in acrylics, oil paints and mixed media sculptural work. His artwork conveys a temporal, transient, and nebulous perspective of human existence that translates upon reflection into a deeper encouragement to pursue the benevolent. Cole represents this dichotomy of ideas by inhabiting empty spaces with dark and dreamlike subject matter that hold an open-ended interpretation of both the physical and the spiritual.
I am offering original works as well as commission's, artist collaborations, artwork for retail use.
Cole Shelton is a contemporary American visual artist primarily working in acrylics, oil paints and mixed media sculptural work. His artwork conveys a temporal, transient, and nebulous perspective of human existence that translates upon reflection into a deeper encouragement to pursue the benevolent. Cole represents this dichotomy of ideas by inhabiting empty spaces with dark and dreamlike subject matter that hold an open-ended interpretation of both the physical and the spiritual.
Cole Shelton was born June 30th, 1987 in Dallas Texas. His whole life he was brought up by his family, teachers, and peers on a foundation of love, encouragement, and support. Everyone noted his proclivity towards art and his God given skills to create it. As he grew up, Cole continued strengthening his skills technically and he has always pursued authenticity in vision and ideas. Although he grew artistically, growing from adolescents into adulthood proved difficult for Cole. His personal and private life began a downward spiral while his dreams and plans of becoming an established artist were simultaneously being fulfilled. Just as Cole won first in a juried group show and was preparing work for another competition and a solo show at Gallery M squared in Houston Texas, his whole life crumbled around him. He withdrew from the shows and spent the next few years rebuilding his life. Cole used his time away to not only rebuild his life but to also reinvent himself artistically and to hone his voice to what it is now. Currently he is living on the other side of these trials and tribulations completely anew. His work reflects his personal triumphs with a freshness. The thread connecting his art, faith, and life runs deep and can be clearly seen in his art.
Looking forward, Cole plans to dive deeper into his techniques, materials, and subject matter. While expanding on his established foundation, play and experimentation will continue to hold a significant roll in his work. The possibilities of using new materials and working in different mediums are bountiful and exciting to Cole. There is much more to expect from Cole Shelton’s art in the next chapters of his life.
Selected Exhibitions
Open studio, by appointment.
“Paper Cuts” July-August 2013. Annual juried group show at Gallery M Squared in Houston TX. I was awarded first prize in the show.
Art show happy hour and silent auction. May-June 2011. Solo exhibition of selected work at The Absinthe Lounge and Cigar Bar in Dallas TX.
Selected work solo exhibition. 2009. Exhibition held at 24seven Enterprises in Houston TX.
Open studio at Hardy & Nance St. Studios in Houston TX. April 2010. Selected works were shown alongside works by photographer Diana Simmonetta in her studio space.
Halloween Music & Art Show with Funkotron, October 2009. Last Concert Café in Houston TX. Solo exhibition of selected works and a live painting demonstration during musical show.
Single entry Garland Independent School District juried art shows. 1995-2005. Dallas TX. Awarded various awards over the years.
Commissions/ Collaborations/ Press
2020, Purchase of a mixed media sculpture by a private collector.
Flavors Presents write up Flavorscreative.com. 2017. Short article on the announcement of the collaboration between Cole Shelton Art and Flavors Creative Group clothing line.
Limited edition Cole Shelton Art and Flavors Creative Group collaboration. Limited edition run of graphic sweaters with my artwork displayed.
2011, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.
2010, Painting commission for use by Sojourn Church in Houston TX.
2009-2011, Long board graphic design and production collaborations between Cole Shelton Art and Adrenaline Factory in Houston TX.
2010, T-shirt graphic design and production collaboration between Cole Shelton Art and a church in Houston TX.
2009, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.
2009, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.
2009, Trophy sculpture commission by Owen Oil Tools for their annual golf tournament.
2009, Oil on canvas commission by a private collector.
2008, Purchase of three mixed media paintings by a private collector.
2005, Two theater backdrops commissioned by Rowlett High School theater department.
2003, Artwork for Rowlett High School theater department pamphlet.
Bodies of work
Hevel: 2019-current. “Ghost series”, consisting of hard edge acrylic paintings and mixed media sculptures. The pop image of the ghost and the patterns and designs keep the art playful while offering something deeper just beyond the surface.
Creation: 2019-current. Oil and acrylic paintings and mixed media sculptures, focusing on the more abstract qualities and compositions seen in nature.
Fall: 2012-2016. 10 completed oil paintings on canvas or oil paint paper. Done in a painterly and realist style, this dark and poetic series is modernly chiaroscuro and cinematically composed.
Imago Dei: 2006-2011. Over 20 oil paintings and chalk pastels on a variety of surfaces. This series focuses on how the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of existence can be represented in one picture. A sort of metaphysical/physical cubism.
Breadth: 2002-current. A wide variety of mostly private work showcasing the numerous styles, techniques, mediums, and skills I can execute.
Education/ Skills
2011-2020, Tool and Die maker. Proficient in manual machining techniques and part production and assembly. Many techniques learned in this vocation directly translates to the production of my artwork.
2010, Water transfer printing class.
2003-2006, Advanced art class and portfolio art class at Rowlett High School.
I am offering original works as well as commission's, artist collaborations, artwork for retail use, art installation.
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