BIOGRAPHY

Larry Hefner received his Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma. He has taught both art and deign at various Universities across the United States for over 30 years. He is a Professor Emeritus of Design in the School of Design at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma where he was chair of the Department. Larry is currently a professional fine artist working from his studio in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is a multi-disciplined artist working with a variety of media and techniques primarily workin in the area of painting using acrylic as his primary medium. His work has been exhibited in many local and regional museums and galleries winning numerous awards. For the past forty plus years, Larry has worked as a graphic designer/photographer, owning his own studio, The Hefner Group in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma specializing in advertising and graphic design.

ARTIST INSIGHTS

How are your background and life experiences connected to your art?

Totally, my life experiences are what makes me an artist.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

Too many to name! Almost all the abstract impressionist. Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, Helen Frankenthaler. Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Gerhard Richter. On a more local level Eugene Bavinger, George Bogart and Jack Bryan, professors I studied under.

How have you developed your artist career?

Hard work for 50 years!

What does your artistic work intend to communicate to its audience?

Although my paintings are abstract in nature, they contain a universal connection based on art principals that allows any viewer, to experience a sense of interest and intrigue, as well as an emotional response.

Does your work comment on any current social or political issues?

No.

Do you have a particular story that stands out from your career as an artist?

No, just the integrity of being an abstract artist in a realistic world.

What is one thing you would like your audience to know about you?

The above mentioned integrity.

Which current art world trends are you following?

I try not to follow art trends. I try to keep my mind set on what I am trying to accomplish conceptually. I have to admit texture currently is a primary pursuit.

Why have you chosen to sell your work in the 1515 Lincoln Gallery?

I was previously represented by another gallery in the Oklahoma City area. I had been with this gallery for a long time and frankly felt like I had been forgotten. I was looking for a gallery with a more progressive management.

What do you believe makes 1515 Lincoln Gallery distinct from other galleries?

The owner is very progressive with wonderful ideas for the future of art. The new building is also a showcase for the area.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My abstract paintings reflect my interpretation of relationships (personal, environmental, architectural, or conceptual) and are composed of acrylic mixed media on stretched canvas or cradled panel. The style of painting is an intuitive, process driven without a pre-determined plan, allowing the painting process to suggest and develop the direction of the piece.

 Larry Hefner’S AVAILABLE ART

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