Bob Durden: Earthly Delights

In this stunning body of work Montana artist Bob Durden expresses a connection to humanity through landscape. He uses encaustic and oil paint to depict scenes in nature that resonate with the human condition. Sometimes detailed and other times very simple, he showcases coexistence in this series of work that uses line and color to orientate the viewer. A few of his pieces are abstract in design, emulating a cross cut of a tree or a child’s drawing while others are impressionistic versions teeming with plant life; all are connected to the world around us.

“Growing up and living much of my life in Montana, I have always been drawn to the landscape for inspiration. I am continually struck by the surrounding beauty. The relationship between humans and nature is focal to most of my work, though ironically, humans are rarely ever present. An analogy is made between the strength of a tree and the will of an individual. A tree’s limbs sway in the breeze and grow continually upward in the same manner that the character of an individual is determined by external forces, but more importantly by desire and perseverance. 

In recent paintings and drawings, I have explored sublime aspects of nature. My intention is to convey a message that is politically neutral, preferring to convey an attitude about the balance and sense of calm that can be found in a chaotic world. I find inspiration in my gardens and the creatures that inhabit it. Big truths can be found while looking at the phenomenal world that is spread beneath our feet. I desire that the viewer finds beauty in my work that will inspire them to further seek out the joy and wonder in their own surroundings—whether it is a bee in flight, the symphony of color in a garden, or the simple joy that can be found when examining a blade of grass swaying in the breeze.”--Bob Durden 

Bob Durden has been making art for most of his life. With experience in theater, design and art he is no stranger to the modalities of creativity. Durden holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Painting and Communication Arts from Eastern Montana College (presently, Montana State University, Billings) and has earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art from Montana State University, Bozeman. He currently resides in Billings, Montana where he serves as the Senior Curator of Art for the prestigious Yellowstone Art Museum and continues to make art.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website