ABOUT THE ARTIST
Exploring the Depths of Human Complexity
Preston Harris, a versatile mixed-media artist currently pursuing his MFA at Colorado State University, navigates the creative landscape with an expert command of watercolor and ink. Hailing from Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan, Harris embarked on a remarkable journey that took him from the courts of college basketball in Florida to the corridors of the University of Florida, where he honed his artistic prowess, specializing in drawing for his BFA.
Beyond his visual artistry, Harris shares a profound passion for erotica, weaving short fantasy fiction narratives that intertwine seamlessly with his artwork. These tales, drawn from dreams, fantasies, or real-life experiences, serve to establish a deeper connection between the viewer and his creations.
Harris employs an awe-inspiring level of graphic and hyper-detailed two-dimensional illustration to craft stories of inner human conflict. His works become windows into the exploration of his own mind—a realm where world-building and the creation of his unique mythology take center stage.
Through a masterful interplay of composition, Harris bridges deeper meanings, weaving his narratives into a seamless tapestry of fantasy. Within this ethereal composition, he hints at the very essence of humanity—a cosmic birthright, where we are all made of stars, where energy takes countless forms. These stories arise from the divine, transcending into our existence.
Preston Harris is an artist who grapples with the intricacies of his own mental landscape. Within the cacophony of voices in his head and the glimpses of portals to other dimensions, he finds solace and expression in his art. In this creative process, he unveils stories that are both beautiful and dark, recognizing that light cannot exist without darkness—they are inseparable companions on the journey of life.
Harris's art is an exploration of mythology and religion, reimagined through his personal lens. These reinterpretations serve as a reflection of perpetual inner conflict, compelling viewers to contemplate religion while embracing their own raw perspectives. Harris transforms figures into dark entities using multimedia, creating layered and vivid imagery that carries a wave of emotional intensity. Through these vivid depictions, he communicates the inner turmoil he grapples with—a pain that is palpable in the transformation of his characters, both physically and metaphysically different.
Within his intricate line work and the grotesque compositions of his figures, Harris captures the essence of human greed, faith, and desire at their zenith. His art becomes a conduit for the soul's quest to fathom its place in the grand tapestry of existence, challenging established notions of religion.
Harris's creative sensibilities are shaped by a lifelong struggle with depression, a battle against the relentless onslaught of his own thoughts. Raised in a Christian household and exposed to graphic, horrific, and erotic content at an early age, his art carries the imprints of these formative experiences.
Influenced by artists like Adrian Ghenie, Hieronymus Bosch, Francis Bacon, and Mariusz Lewandowski, who delve into the complexities of human nature, religion, and horror, Harris draws inspiration from their explorations.
Within the labyrinth of his thoughts, Harris grapples with questions of identity and sanity. Different personas take hold of his consciousness, leading to a distorted sense of self. Yet, even in his delusions, there's a magnetic pull toward his own fantasies—a longing for a reality that mirrors his aspirations.
Harris believes that art's ultimate goal is to evoke emotion. Whether through literature or composition, the question remains: how does it make you feel? In every religious concept, there exists an origin theme, a creational paradox. Harris's art strives to express the formation of ideas, celebrating the unique diversity of human thought and experience.
In the end, every being, deity, or entity that Harris creates is a reflection of not only himself but also the collective human experience. As individuals, we are unique, but as a whole, we are connected. Harris invites us to embrace inclusion over division and to recognize the common threads that bind us all.