Bob Cross
Bob Cross Bob Cross is a painter, printmaker, and sculptor. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the Atlanta College of Art in 1981 and a Master of Fine Arts Degree at Ohio University in 1990.
Bob Cross was raised in Goshen, Indiana, by his artist parents. Bob’s parents nurtured and encouraged the abstract painter and provided ongoing technical instruction.
Cross’s professional work in fine art began on an international level as a master printer at Tyler Graphics Ltd. in New York after earning a BFA at the Atlanta College of Art on a full scholarship.
While working in New York, Cross collaborated on publishing prints, multiples, and plate-making with many remarkable artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Frank Stella, Helen Frankenthaler, Tony Caro, Michael Heizer, Alan Shields, Richard Smith, Steven Sorman, Tom Nozkowski, Ellsworth Kelly, Joan Mitchell, Al Held, Robert Cottingham, Maurice Sendak, and Robert Motherwell. Bob Cross also worked as one of Frank Stella’s painting assistants for two days each month in his Lower East Side studio. It was from David Hockney that Cross developed his drawing discipline daily. “David Hockney got me into the habit of drawing every day. He said you must always be drawing and have a way to record and process your perspective of the world,” said Cross. Cross carries and has been drawing and recording his thoughts on 3” by 5” blank index cards since 1984. Cross’ abstract paintings emerge from the thoughts and drawings on these index cards. “The small drawings are more fun than they are precious, and hopefully, the larger works that grow out of them retain the spontaneous sense of freedom. I enjoy every day making them,” said Cross
After seven years in fine art printmaking, Bob and his family moved back to the Midwest, where he continued his education. Bob received a full scholarship to Ohio University and earned an MFA in painting and art history. Bob and his wife Laurie created Haselrick & Cross, Inc., a business focusing on murals and bespoke finishes in historic and contemporary interiors. In the early 2000s. In the early 2000s, Bob concentrated on his art, and as he moved forward, his method of painting changed. Bob creates images and surfaces that would be difficult to reproduce through mechanical photo processes. Bob grappled with the cultural differences between the east coast and Indiana and commented, “As I began to reconnect, I became aware that the contrast between my Amish neighbors and the digital world is a living example of an Apollonian / Dionysian dialectic. Growing up around the Amish people, I found it easy to reject the modern Apollonian world of rationality, technology, and conformity in favor of the subconscious, the primitive, and the sublime aspects of art. I’ve embraced a regional aesthetic and can’t imagine being able to create this work in another part of the world. I find this is an exciting approach, an actual agenda to work towards, and I hope that excitement translates into the viewers’ experience.”
To order any of Bob’s work please complete the form below stating Bob Cross’ name in the message area, and I will contact you as soon as possible. Or call Judy Ferrara directly at 1-574-276-6001.
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