"Pursuing Dreams in Tough Times: Work by Ivan Vesely"
2009-04-24 until 2009-04-25
Vineyard of Grace Church
Keller, TX, USA United States of America

Many families in North Texas are experiencing financial troubles in this slow economy. When big business suffers, it is inevitable that the hard working middle class will experience the damaging effects. Drive around any neighborhood in the metroplex and you are apt to see more than one foreclosure sign. This does not seem like the right time to quit your job and pursue your dreams. But that is exactly what Ivan Vesely has done. You can meet Ivan Vesely and view a large body of his work on April 24 and April 25, 2009 at the Vineyard of Grace Church located in Keller, TX. Ivan Vesely has been a Premiere Portfolio Artist at absolutearts.com since 2008.

"I was tired of hearing 'Just be thankful you have a job' from management that felt they had the right to dismiss all employee concerns about the way the company operates." Vesely speaks about the attitude of his previous management. "Of course it's not easy to give up the security of a weekly paycheck. But it was worse to work in an environment that was so negative."

Vesely says that he doesn't want to find another job that is just as unfulfilling as the one he left. He has been an artist since childhood and has dreamt his whole life of making art his career.

Ivan was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He grew up surrounded by Africa's natural beauty. Vesely came to the states in 1981, at the age of 9 with his mother and his sister. They sought refuge from the chaos caused by a military coup in Kenya. Ivan's father was forced to stay behind in prison on false allegations. Ivan's family was reunited a year later when Ivan's father was released from custody and allowed to leave Kenya.

The influence of Kenya's landscape and bold, tribal art is apparent in Vesely's work. Ivan uses vibrant color and land, water, and sky elements in many of his pieces. He is tired of waiting to be discovered. Instead, he is taking action by holding his own show.

"I've submitted to around a hundred galleries. I've been shown in a few galleries. I've done fine arts festivals. None of these avenues have provided substantial income, or opportunity."

Ivan and his wife, Carrie, are taking the artwork in another direction.

"We want to reach the people around us, the people that we can relate to." Carrie explains.

The couple plans to sell items printed with Ivan's original designs at an affordable price.

"Our goal is not to be rich and famous. Our greatest dream is to inspire the creative nature in everyone." Vesely states.

Vesely says that he is eager to see the entrepreneurial spirit rise up out of the ashes of economic and personal crises. He believes that creativity comes in many different forms.

"Creativity is not limited to visual art. Being creative means that you create, whether it's business solutions, environmental solutions, inspirational music, educational materials, or whatever. Every human being is gifted with creativity."

Ivan wants his artwork to ignite passion and creativity in its viewers. He sees art as a catalyst for movement in a new direction, a direction towards a better, creativity filled world.

"Art has been used throughout history as a communication tool. I want to communicate that each and every one of us has something valuable to offer the world through creativity."

View more work by Ivan Vesely in his Portfolio at absolutearts.com http://www.absolutearts.com/ivanvesely.

IMAGE
Artist: Ivan Vesely
Title: Freedom of Speech
Year Created: 2009
Medium: Acrylic Painting
Width: 14 inches
Height: 18 inches
Price: US$ 378

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