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“Mombasa,
Kenya"
David Stickel
Watercolor
Every since visiting the beautiful coastline of the East African country
of Kenya nearly 20 years ago, I've wanted to do this particular
painting. Finally, last year I attempted to "portray" its beauty on paper.
This, the 'work' of my hands, looks nice, but fails to capture its real
glory.
That morning I woke early, made my way outside and was greeted by the
most beautiful gift one could imagine. The whole sky seemed to be on
fire and was illuminated with a glorious radiance. One that I knew would
change and vanish within moments. It was one of those miraculous moments
in life when our Heavenly Father says, "Be still, and know that I am
God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work
of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night
they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their
voice in not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their
words to the ends of the world."
Psalm 19:1-4
David Stickel - In 1982, David dribbled his way to a Bachelor's degree
in Art at UNC-Asheville on a basketball scholarship. People often comment
how unusual it is for an athlete standing 6'9" to be so artistic. He
then launched his art career at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, TN.
David's use of light, color and reflections in his paintings encourage
one to reflect on the wonders of the everyday world around us. His work
has a timeless appeal and value and has received numerous honors and
awards. David's paintings are owned by collectors in the Southeast, Midwest
and abroad. This quality has also been recognized by such organizations
as the American Watercolor Society, and his work has toured with the
annual traveling exhibition. David draws inspiration for his work from
his extensive travels, including two years in Africa, a summer in China,
two trips to Europe and several years in the southwest United States.
He is excited to be back in his beloved North Carolina, surrounded by
so much that inspires him from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful
coastal shores. However, his deepest motivation and joy is the confidence
that his ability to create works of art is an amazing gift from God.
David, his wife Julie, and their children, make their home in Chapel
Hill.
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