Eric Guenette
Eric is an American painter currently living in Lagos, Portugal. As an abstract painter over the last 25 years, he has sold nearly 100 works all over the world in that time. The task of standing before a blank canvas might seem to be simple, but there are a thousand tiny decisions that have already been made beforehand and an even more complex ritual that unfolds after the first stroke is been applied. Abstract art is blatantly weightless and untethered. With every stroke, there are always new answers and new questions. To progress, one begins to construct a array of techniques, rules and judgements, but it's this challenge that draws him to the canvas.
One of his biggest creative influences was his grandfather, Marcel Guenette, who was a golf shoe maker at Footjoy in Brockton, Massachusetts for thirty years:
"He could build anything with his hands. He would often be found in his small wood shop in the back yard in Winter Park, Florida. As a child, I would be transfixed as my grandfather constructed all sort of projects from scratch with whatever materials he had laying around. I am inspired to this day by his spirit and ingenuity. I feel that it is important for me to be involved in every aspect of the artwork, from the construction of the homemade frames, stretching house painter drip cloths as my canvas material and finishing most of the artworks with my simple white pine decorative framing."
Taking a cue from his grandfather, he intentionally works with a variety of unusual materials, such as mis-tinted household latex, acrylic and spray paints on fiberboard, painter's drip cloths, bedsheets, couch lining, carpet, wood, styrofoam, foam core, cardboard and other substrates. Most of the structural and decorative framing is constructed by his own hand. The work take on a very organic feel. He rarely uses brushes; paint is commonly applied with scrapers made from things like leftover wood frame pieces or small flexible plastic cutouts from used butter or yogurt containers. Most of the artwork is signed and dated with a construction nail, staying true to his grandfather's methods.
From West Palm Beach, Florida to Albuquerque, New Mexico and then Lagos, Portugal, He has always relished the makeshift art studios, whether it is dusty garages or a sea sprayed patio, all offer up random bits of natural chaos into the work. Dog hair, dirt and seeds fatefully wending their way into various pieces. Following these ideals bring the human element into focus and keeps artistic expression in human hands.
Algarve Abstract Art
All of the artwork shown on the website is currently available for purchase. The price includes all taxes and fees. Shipping is not included.
TO PURCHASE
Use the contact form on the website to let me know which artwork(s) you wish to purchase. More photos of the artwork are available upon request. Cash, PayPal (including credit cards) and Venmo available.
FRAMING
All of the artworks are ready to hang. Some of the works are framed and some are unframed. Framing is available for all paintings. Contact me for a quote.
PICK UP / DELIVERY
Local pick up is free if you are in the Lagos area. Paid delivery available in the algarve. International shipping is also available.
PRINTS
Large and small framed canvas prints available for most artworks. Some irregular proportions do not work in standard templates. Prints as large as 120 x 120 cm (framed canvas) available. Contact me for a quote.