Vivian-Keith Morris

From Philosopedia

TENTATIVE - do not cite until approved

Vivian-Keith Morris (day/month/year of birth - )

Morris was born in (city) to (parents' names and occupations; add siblings if you wish)

Education: (h.s. and Parsons, etc.)

An artist, he has responded in an interview to the following questions:

How did you get your start as an artist?

I have been creative for as long as I can remember. I do remember one incident in particular. When I was very young, I had found some clay in the backyard during a great dig. I started to make shapes and was told that I was making a mess instead. An aunt of mine, Lyn, who has always been supportive had assure me that I was on the right track and that I should keep it up. Prior to that, I have been sketching.

Who are some of your past and present artistic influences?

My past influences have always been my teachers in school. Though there wasn't much they could teach me on the technical side, they made it a point to be present in my artistic development. Presently, my partner John is my greatest influence. Though he doesn't know it, he is both artistic and creative. I've e learned that there is more to art than creativity. There is also a business aspect of it which is just as involved.

How would you describe your work? What message if any are you sharing with viewers of your work?

Subjectively, I can not describe my work. There are specific images that move me. When I see it, intuitively feel it. There is always a presence of a psychological connection in all my paintings.

Vivian-Keith Morris's His Face, 2007, dental stone and canvas

How does your audience experience your work?

I like to move people emotionally. I only hope people can find something similarly comforting in my work. As simple as that.

Do you listen to music when creating your art? what kind?

As for music, I listen to classical music when I am creating. The Brandenberg Concertos by Johan Sebastian Bach. Another is the Addaggio by Albinonni. When I listen to music I see colors. Each note is a specific color for me.

You travel extensively, for example to Europe and Asia. What impact has this had on your photography/art?

My travels have helped me to cultivate imagery that eventually is placed on paper or a canvas. I have seen many countries and many images that have inspired me to be creative. The Middle East and South East, by far, have the best everyday images to me.

What would you like to share about work that you are presently creating? What is inspiring it or what inspires you generally?

I am presently working on a sculpture that depicts the crucifixion. I have ben searching the Bible for stories that allow themselves to be converted into images. I have no idea what my feelings are in terms of religion. For the past five tears or so, I have become less religious and more spiritual in life. I like to share my thoughts with my viewer so they know where I am coming from.

Morris current lives in (Manhattan, New York? ) (with companion?)

Contact: Morris Portraits, 460 West 147th Street #51, New York, NY 10031 (212) 926-2161