Warmth in Giving: The Art of Elizabeth King
by Steve Gorsler
"Warmth in Giving 4." Painting by Elizabeth King
The paintings of Elizabeth King illuminate the spirit of giving and its effects on humankind. Altruism, to King, is not an abstract idea; rather, it is seen in small acts of kindness that can alleviate other's poverty, cares and concerns.
In today's mass media, the predominant message is often one of greed and power: "I want what I want it and I want it now." This same message often carries over into the world of fine art. However, one California artist, Elizabeth King, portrays a much different aesthetic in her art. "Warmth in Giving," her latest series of paintings, focuses on the theme of simple acts of kindness.
King began this series of paintings, "Warmth in Giving," with the intention that she, as an individual, could help those around her in simple altruistic acts. King's "Warmth in Giving" series will be on display at Faithful Fools Gallery, 234 Hyde Street in San Francisco from March 1 through March 31. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Her current works bring awareness to giving and its effects on humankind. Altruism, to King, is not understood from the philosophical sensibility; rather, it is seen in small acts of kindness that can alleviate other's poverty, cares and concerns.In many paintings, King does not paint the giver, but rather, the recipient and the kind act itself. She paints the theme of altruism at a microcosmic scale, as it impacts the individual. King believes that one should assist those one knows first, and then those outside of one's known circle.
Early in life, Elizabeth King learned that hard work and determination are beneficial to one's well being. As a child, she was acquainted with the condition of poverty and the ills that follow it. As a teenager, she supported herself by means of a minimum-wage job.
Because she was conscientious and hardworking, she was able to exchange her hard situation for a brighter future. While she lived below the poverty level, King attended university courses and assisted in the Meals on Wheels program, and served holiday meals. Now that King is a practicing artist, she hopes to raise awareness of both the concept and act of altruism through her paintings.
King chose the theme of altruism for her paintings because she had to paint a concept that she understood, acted upon and experienced. The integrative consciousness is narration-in-action of the mythical moment of generosity taking place, with spiritual aspects of the sacred, iconic-like, everyday actions performed unselfishly.
Altruism is man's contemplation of existence, which reaches into the integrative consciousness that is identifiable with the viewer. The integrative consciousness is how the viewer's existence is linked to human existence. In every work, she includes the magical, the mythical and the sacred. There is something sacred about helping another's dignity.
Her paintings emphasize selfless giving, with two figures, shown or implied, engaged in benevolent actions, painted in a contemplative state, absorbing the viewer in that contemplation. In poetic succession, figures progress in the acts of bestowing and receiving. The light of caring for humanity is directing social harmony through trust. The emotive meaning of the contextual elements is like an interwoven tapestry, all working together, and all dependent on selflessness.
Every human has basic needs to sustain life, including clothing, food, sleep and shelter. This series of paintings portray a community spirit, which is the narrative action of the mythical moment of simple acts of generosity taking place.
King described the events that led to her getting this show at the Faithful Fools Gallery. "This show came about through a series of fortunate events," she said. "I entered one of the 'Warmth in Giving' works in a group show at the Berkeley Art Center. During the group show, an art critic saw the work and recommended that I send images of my work to Terry Messman at Street Spirit newspaper. Street Spirit published an article about the 'Warmth in Giving' works about a year ago.
"The kind people at Faithful Fools saw the newspaper article and asked if I were interested in displaying the works in their gallery. Since Faithful Fools works to benefit the homeless in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco, I knew that the gallery and the organization would be a good fit for my works."
Concerning technique in her figurative works, King paints expressionistically, like Lucian Freud (Sigmund Freud's grandson), using strong bravura and impasto brush strokes. Her abstract, expressive works draw viewers into the paintings through dynamic compositions and by projecting the image into the viewer's space.
King has experimented with the refractive effects of metallic paint to emphasize the immediate impression of a moment in time. With the materials she uses, King emphasizes the content of transitory light effects of Neo-Impressionism. The material of canvas symbolizes the need for clothing and the wood frame for shelter.
"Albert Schweitzer Visits the Sick." Painting by Elizabeth KingThe Altruism of Albert Schweitzer
In addition to the "Warmth in Giving" works, an earlier series of altruistic works entitled "Altruism of Albert Schweitzer" will be displayed in a second Faithful Fools gallery at the same location. This series of paintings focuses on the community work of Albert Schweitzer. These paintings depict Schweitzer contemplating his existence in relationship to helping others around him in Gabon, Africa.
Because of Schweitzer's active work in Lambarene, Africa, the villagers' quality of life improved in the surrounding jungle. He created a determined work ethic, building, against all odds, a small hospital in the remote jungle. What began as a small act of bravery and kindness grew to a village that created social improvement for the impoverished population.
His enthusiasm was inspiring; and trained and untrained workers from around the globe wanted to assist in the beneficent community hospital project. Although best known for his medical work in Gabon, Africa, Albert Schweitzer was a man of great depth and versatility. In addition to being a doctor and surgeon, he was a respected writer, theologian, builder, an accomplished musician, composer and Nobel Laureate.
Schweitzer's magnetism and empathy drew both small and great, human and animal. All seemed drawn to his ideals and his inspiring work for transfiguring change for the betterment of other's lives.
Individual works from the "Warmth in Giving" and the "Altruism of Albert Schweitzer" series have been displayed in Florida, New York, California and Pennsylvania. The entire "Altruism of Albert Schweitzer" series has been exhibited in a solo show in New York.
However, the show at Faithful Fools Gallery is the first time both the "Warmth in Giving" and the "Altruism of Albert Schweitzer" series have been displayed together in a single show.
Warmth in Giving
Art by Elizabeth KingArtist reception and talk Saturday, March 11, 3 p.m.
Faithful Fools Gallery
234 Hyde Street, San FranciscoElizabeth King's art on display
March 1 -- March 31
Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.The reception and artist talk are free. For more information, phone (415) 474-0508, or see: fools@faithfulfools.org http://www.faithfulfools.org
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