Local artists dabbles in unusual mediums to create unique works

One of Bob Farrell's unique works currently on display. (Courtesy image).

ROCHESTER - The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing in Rochester will host an exhibit during the month of January that features the work of local artist Bob Farrell.

Farrell is an abstract artist who has been creating art for more than 20 years. He not only uses acrylics and oils in his paintings, but also uses a lot of unusual things to create art such as tar, house paint, spray paint and fabric pigments.

"I love making art," says Farrell. "Being creative helps me to express myself and my ideas. Art also helps me to reinvent ways we see places and spaces and for others to use their imagination. Work is one thing that inspires me to make art. I used to be a carpenter but now work maintenance at Frisbie Hospital. A lot of times I see things that are being thrown out and I view it as something I can do art on, like windows, reflective light panels, old paint or plywood. I also create sculptures from things that ordinarily would be thrown out."

He also uses his art to portray thoughts and feelings.

"When I paint, the paint has control. I'm an avenue for its thoughts and messages it needs to say. The feelings of the day may determine what will be painted and what abstract images I can make to describe feelings not able to talk about. My work represents hope, imagination and reality."

Farrell often fixes and repaints older wood frames and prides himself in being able to refinish them and bring them back to life. He sometimes incorporates the frame as a part of the art itself, not just a way to surround or contain it.

Bob has been working and evolving into an artist for many years. He began painting surreal but has since gravitated to abstract paintings and sculptures. He has exhibited his work in several galleries in New England and hopes to also show his art in New York City.

RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are located at 33 North Main St. and open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call (603) 812-1488, or send an e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com. You may also contact Bob Farrell directly at farmerbob48@hotmail.com; 207-251-8334, or visit www.bob5farrellsarts.weebly.com or on Instagram at instagram.com/bobtfarrell.