WILMINGTON — Recollections of artist and art educator Andrew Yakscoe’s introduction to art as a young boy evoke poignant memories for him from an especially difficult part of his life.
He will present an exhibit of his paintings, titled “It Takes a Lot of Guts,” in Wilmington College’s Harcum Art Gallery Aug. 31 through Oct. 14. An opening reception will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
Normal gallery hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special appointments can be made by contacting curator Hal Shunk, professor of art, via email at [email protected].
As a four-year-old, Yakscoe was diagnosed with a form of Lymphoma after the discovery of a tumor the size of a grapefruit, which resulted in his spending more than a half year in and out of surgeries and chemotherapy.
“One vivid memory I have from this time is my first experience coloring inside the lines,” he said. “This may not qualify as a residency, but my history with cancer, without a doubt, served as a catalyst for my art career.”
Yakscoe describes his works as reminiscent of Surrealist Automation, stream-of-consciousness writing and other mindful play activities.
“I employ physical and digital mark-making techniques as studio-based research into historical and contemporary modes of human expression and perception,” he said. “Moreover, I partake in meaning-making activities as studio-based research into historical and contemporary modes of human expression and perception.”
He added that he partakes in such “meaning-making activities” as art to remind people there is always something they can do to improve their immediate condition.
“It just sometimes takes a little creativity.”
Yakscoe, an administrative assistant for the Division of Learning and Interpretation with Cincinnati Art Museum, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and visual arts education licensure from the University of Cincinnati’s School of Art and College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.
He has exhibited extensively in Cincinnati and Columbus, and his technical expertise includes relief printmaking, lithography, intaglio, scree-printing, painting, drawing, ceramics and photography.
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