If by some magic spell or technological feat, we were capable of stepping inside the paintings of Darrell Orwig, we would find ourselves surrounded by familiar landscapes and people—endless roads, acres of farmland, our neighbors and friends.  Yet we would also notice that Darrell’s artwork transforms everyday subjects in a way that encourages us to rediscover the beauty and mystery of the world we know.

 

It comes as no surprise that childhood experiences provide much of his inspiration. “Most of the stuff I’m interested in has to do with the amazing things that happen right in front of us in our daily lives that always in some way tie back to childhood memories” he says.  “I go back to those first or second grade moments, when you make these wonderful discoveries all on your own.”

 

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Darrell discovered a fascination with the realistic depiction of his surroundings at four years old. “When Christmas came around and my parents gave me a toy, I remember being obsessed about it looking like the real thing—not a cartoon version. I don’t know where that all came from, but it was already there.”

 

Although most people around him felt that art “wasn’t worth having or doing,” Darrell’s early interest in realism developed quickly with the encouragement of parents and teachers.  And Darrell just couldn’t ignore the “warm fuzzies” he experienced every time he produced images of the world around him.

 

Even long into his career as an artist, this youthful compulsion to make art drives Darrell’s creative process. He is fascinated by the origins of artistic motivation and believes that the  “purest, cleanest form of art” emerges from a primal need to describe your experience.

 

“You do it because you have to,” Darrell says. “You have to be willing to do whatever it takes…to tap that voice in your head that says this is the right thing for you to do.  It looks right and it feels right. If you can keep that in mind when you are making your work, you’ll do the best you can do.”

 

Listening to his inner voice has led Darrell on quite a journey.  From teaching art at institutions of higher learning (1970-2005), caretaking the Hui property as Artist-in-Residence (1976-1985), serving as a combat artist during Operation Desert Storm while on active duty in the Coast Guard (1988 to 1993), to working in the Exhibits Program at the Schafer International Gallery (1994-2009) and retiring as their Director, Darrell has been consistently drawn to art.

 

“Good ideas and art can happen wherever you go,” Darrell explains.  “And you should always be open to looking at things freshly.  There is a big wide world out there and I think we need to get out there and enjoy it.” 

 

This genuine appreciation for life is one of Darrell’s most endearing and admirable qualities and is clearly demonstrated in the strokes of his paintbrush.

 

“Good art is autobiographical,” he says.  “It has to say something about the person who painted it: how they see things, how they think, how they feel….and it has to transcend decoration.”

 

By giving of himself through his artwork, Darrell has shared an invaluable experience with his audience, especially those of us who have long left Neverland behind.  In his sophisticated manner, Darrell has allowed us the rare pleasure to once again see the world through the fascinated eyes of our childhood self.

 

“I’m always asking myself: Is this worth doing? Is it worth someone else’s time to look at it?  Does it communicate anything that is worth making this a better place to live?” Darrell says of his artwork.

 

The answer to all these questions emerges from this exhibition as naturally as Darrell’s need to create.  Yes, Darrell. And thank you for taking us along on your marvelous adventures.