By Kathy L. Collins
Each month Center Place showcases area artists with an exhibition of their art and an artist’s reception. During the month of November, Valrico artist and sculptor Jason Shiver will present a compilation of his work titled, Genesis- A Diverse Intersection of Inspired Art.
An artist’s reception is set for Thursday, November 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. that is open to the public. The exhibit is available for viewing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Shiver will exhibit 12 to 15 pieces, mostly oil paintings. In addition, during the artist’s reception, Shiver will display additional pieces including one or two sculptures.
Shiver is a carpenter and fabricator by profession. He uses the skills he learned while working in the Ranger apprentice program at Tampa Ship. According to Shiver, “At Tampa Ship, the largest shipyard in Tampa, I was able to become a first class ship fitter within two years. I excelled in that program likely in no small part due to the way large scale steel fabrication stimulated my imagination. It has also helped me develop a skill set that I use today as an artist and in the trades as a carpenter and a steel fabricator.”
On the nature of his work, Shiver said, “I am known here locally for some of my more controversial work, which I am confident stands on its own merit. However the original sources of my inspiration are what Genesis alludes to. It refers to inspirations such as the vessels and waters of the Tampa Bay area and the inhabitants of the waters surrounding it.”
Shiver has been creating art since he was a child and studied for a short time at St. Pete Junior College. According to Shiver, his real art education comes from visiting museums. Shiver said, “The museums of the world are more than just a compilation of differing art works. Their exhibits generally speak to eras of that geographic area and tie into its history and culture in some way. I take in each of these museums like a lesson.”
For more information on Shiver and his work, call 505-8802 or msshiver @gmail.com. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon.
