with MARK ROUSE
“Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart.”
Aside from art, what other kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy music of all types. I play the guitar and keyboard at church. I’m a history buff, which impacts the content of my art. Of course I love doing things with my family.
Who are some of your favorite artists you go to for inspiration (past or living)?
Georgia O’Keeffe, Paul Cezanne, Chinese Ink Wash paintings
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Too many to list, but I would start with the South Pacific.
Do you have any favorite places in Hamilton County?
Barring the possibility of time travel, I’d think floating down White River in a canoe would be my current favorite place.
Do you have an interesting fact about you that not many people know about?
I was too shy in high school to ask Diana to go on a date, so I made a bet that I could make a better pizza than she could. Diana’s been my wife now for almost 43 years!
What is one of your biggest accomplishments (art or life)?
Well my wife’s still with me after 43 years. That may say more about her than me though....
Do you have any favorite pieces of artwork of your own? If so, would you mind sharing which ones and why they are your favorite?
“Napa 1” - This is a favorite because it’s the first artwork I completed after my eyesight was restored.
“Strong Heart” - Although not my best work, it’s my favorite. It’s based on the bedside monitor after my middle daughter had open heart surgery. These are very good numbers for just three days after surgery. She was released the next day.
”Disappearing Railroad Blues” - I am just really happy with the way this turned out. It reflects my love of history, tells a story, and evokes emotion.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t asked about?
I once was blind but now I see!