George D. Green – Object and Process

When looking at these paintings it’s important to note that all of them, both past and present, are trompe l’oeil illusion. Even the wood frames and white mats are illusionistically painted.

TRIBUTE TO GEORGE

6/24/43 to 4/14/20

ARTIST, FRIEND, CREATIVE SPIRIT — Sadness overwhelms us as we announce the passing of George D. Green. His impact on each of those he met is a lasting and profound experience to be treasured. George had a unique capacity to translate his sense of wonderment into works of art that continuously engage, challenge and entertain. As each viewer encounters George’s illusion, what seems to be real, becomes a question. It is an experience to be remembered.

George found great joy in direct contact with people as they viewed his work. This was most noticeable when he gave studio tours or was leading an artist’s workshop. In a recent workshop, a young boy who was transfixed by George’s work, said to George: “It looks like the music of the winds.”

His career as an artist is firmly established through hundreds of exhibitions, being part of the permanent collections of over 70 museums, and in private collections. A few years ago, George brought in trusted friends and advisors to create the George D. Green Art Institute. The artist has been encouraged and supported by his wife and fellow artist, Jeri Hise, who serves as the executive director of the Institute. Jeri’s commitment, hard work and love have been instrumental in the success of the Institute and offered strength to George and his career. George wanted to leave an institution that would encourage and inspire young people. He wanted them to be the best they could be. As a young artist in Corvallis, Oregon, George did not have access to museums and galleries with large collections. He had to learn on his own. The Institute changes that.

Led by George and Jeri’s shared vision, the Institute is now accomplishing goals that were dreams and ideas a few years ago. Education through direct experience is our guiding principle. We firmly are committed to continuing with the work of the Institute.

His passing is a time for contemplation. George inspired, enriched and encouraged all of us. We are better people as a result.

#georgedgreentribute

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Apr 15

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What an extraordinary life my dad had, what a wond

What an extraordinary life my dad had, what a wondrous giant of a man.
He was so personable - one dear cousin remarked on his ability to make you feel that you were the only person in the universe. And yet for all his kind and easy manners, he had a mythic quality. Random athletic feats from his youth remain unequalled, and until very recently he was still casually hefting great boulders, shaping the earth to his design. Mastery of the elements in fact defined him, thrilling to icy Pacific waters, or trudging though raging North Country blizzards in utter blackness, me warm and safe on a sled.
It was the finest thing to watch him paint. First those earlier, strongly gestural paintings of a large scale that suited his own great frame in motion. Each stroke was inevitable, as precise as it was rapid and casual. They were punctuated with exclamations, such as one might hear from an athlete at the very height of exertion.
We enjoyed great travels together. Whether by pick-up truck from New York to the Oregon coast summers in the 1970s, or riding ferries around the Aegean in a still untouched Greece, we tasted adventure. It was fitting; he was a pioneer, forging a grand life in the urban wildness that became TriBeCa. And back in his homeland, with Jeri, he was still a pioneer, fashioning a bold architectural expression of his very character.
Dad had a grand death. He came home on Easter evening after a long hospitalization to family. They drank whiskey, and reminisced with laughter. On the second morning, a great bald eagle landed on a tree on the deck, waiting for him.
People remark on the bravery with which he greeted death. In fact, it was much more like zeal, an embrace of the mystery and adventure.
A beloved mentor, Dr. Gordon Gilkey, wrote dad a decisive recommendation of six words: "Full speed ahead on George Green." We have tears overflowing today. But please join us in celebrating a life so lovingly and superbly lived. My oldest friend said: "I will open a very fine bottle and raise my glass as high as I can." Please raise your glasses with us in joy.
Full speed ahead, dad oh dad, oh dearest dad - full speed ahead. #love #joy #georgedgreentribute ...

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Apr 19

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Apr 19

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