Hello, I'm Wayne Velte.
Working Concept: Wayne Velte’s artistic practice is multidisciplinary working in both two and three dimensional design concepts, but he considers himself primarily a painter. Through his studies, Velte became inspired by the post-modern art movements of the mid to late 20th century. He draws particular inspiration from DaDaist, Minimalist, and Abstract Expressionist eras and incorporates these conceptual motifs throughout his entire oeuvre. Artists like Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Alberto Giacommeti as well as current contemporary artists like Alavaro Barrington, Jenny Saville and Antony Gormley are obvious influences in his work while he strives to infuse his own unique and individual style in the execution of each composition. Material Processes: Velte approaches his work with a sort of heavy handed naivety. He usually begins a painting completely abstractly and expressively. The composition takes its initial form through very kinetic and intuitive application of materials. Paint is applied and elements layered and juxtaposed hastily yet thoughtfully and with intentionality. An overall concept or direction of completion is rarely established in the beginning stages of his work. Usually only a vague idea or intended mood or emotion is all that exists at first. The composition develops over time through processes of trial and error, addition and subtraction. Velte tends to incorporate unconventional materials in his paintings bringing a sculptural aspect into his work. Found objects such as debris washed up on the beaches that he frequents often make their way into his compositions essentially transforming a “painting” into more of an assemblage, referencing the work of influential predecessors such as Rauschenberg and even the work of original DaDaists Raoul Hausmann and Man Ray. Critique: Whether Completely Non Representational or highly figurative in the configuration of formal elements, Velte seeks to evoke emotion in the viewers of his work. Extremely personal and always internally stirring, his art connects with the viewer in a visceral and primal way.