December 1 - 30, 2023
From Commerce Gallery:
“Camp Bosworth was born in Galveston, Texas and now lives in Marfa, Texas. He draws much of his inspiration from the richly diverse culture of the great state of Texas. Diverging traditions and histories, the trope of the Western form and references to pop-culture influence and surrounds his practice. His work employs narrative and humor to illustrate his observations on the small art town of Marfa and the border life.
Initially trained as a painter, he now creates monumental wood sculptures that examine the image of diverse themes and cultures inherent in a border state and global community. At first works appear humorous and accessible and upon further examination reveals subtle layers of deeper meaning and subversive themes. His large scale Buckle Up sculpture for the San Antonio spurs exemplifies the cross-over appeal of his work. It employs history, folklore, iconic imagery, traditional craft and skill to convey a personal appeal to whomever is viewing and to a variety of cultures.
Camp along with his partner, Buck Johnston, co-own the gallery and store WRONG in Marfa, which was named the “Most Beautiful Independent Store” in Texas by Architectural Digest in 2018. The store’s concept is centered around Camp’s art objects. WRONG celebrated its 13-year anniversary in September.
Buck and Camp live in a hot pink house with three dogs, one of which is a 16-year-old pet coyote.
Camp Bosworth, Big Stripes, 60 x 84 x 3 inches, oil on carved wood panel
Bruce Lee Webb
Bruce Lee Webb was born August 7, 1966 in Waxahachie, Texas into the world of love and heavy religion stirred with an interest in the occult. His parents were both from religious leader and teacher backgrounds where they taught the word and studied comparative religions. An only child in a world of faith with art through Sunday school decorations, old books, and folk art brought back from India Missionary years.
As a teenager he altered the power in art to photography and t-shirt drawings for 1980s Dallas Punk Rock Shows. It was in this scene where he met his wife and partner adventure, Julie. Together they moved to Waxahachie in 1984, opened a shop with their love of collecting, and soon had the opportunity to meet many Southern Folk Artists who rocked their world and molded their life into Webb Gallery.
Bruce Lee is a natural sponge of all things he holds dear, such as artist friends, adventure, discovery, handmade, fraternalism, occult, and spiritualism. He never fit with standard learning and always went further with his own collecting and research.
His artwork is a journal of what is moving in his brain and currently researching. He prefers the character of old canvas, antique seed bags, or ledge paper with simple ink to pour out his thoughts and vivid mind’s eye.
“I use my art as a memory vessel for myself and to expose others in a random way to things I am interested in and fascinated by. I am interested in the random factor in art like the road driven down for the first time. I was told by a spirit medium in Lily Dale, New York that my art has the power to heal. I hope it heals others, as I know it has healed.”
– Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee Webb, Rodeo, 44 x 40 inches, ink on vintage seed bag
Gabriel Portillo
from the sweeping landscapes of West Texas, Gabriel “PASTE” Portillo is an artist whose work is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation. Born amidst the rugged beauty of the American West, Gabriel’s art reflects a deep connection to his roots, with a focus on Western influences.
Now based in Austin, Texas, Paste has seamlessly blended the rustic charm of the West with the eclectic energy of the state’s capital. Known for his versatility, Gabriel’s explores a wide variety of artistic styles, yet consistently draws inspiration from his Western heritage. His canvases breathe life into cowboy tales, Native American motifs, and the ever-changing landscapes of Texas.
Gabriel Portillo’’s art is a visual odyssey through the heart of the American West, capturing the essence of its history and the contemporary spirit of Austin. Each stroke tells a story, weaving together the timeless allure of the frontier with the dynamic pulse of a modern city. As a resident artist in Austin, he continues to evolve, creating a body of work that pays homage to his origins while embracing the ever-changing canvas of his artistic journey.”
102 S Commerce St
Lockhart, 78644 Texas
512.657.1850
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