While other kids were riding bikes and building forts in the woods, Kansas native Josh Tripoli was “scribble drawing” with his grandparents. To play this impromptu game, one person would make a series of hasty marks on a piece of paper. Then, another person would transform those marks into something entirely different: a pirate ship sailing the high seas, a mischievous cat perched on a windowsill, or a dragon twisting through the clouds. “We would do this back and forth for what seemed like hours,” Tripoli says, explaining that the pastime helped sculpt him into the creative individual he is today. This spring, Tripoli will debut a mix of abstract and figurative pieces at BlackBird Frame & Art on Merrimon Avenue. Titled Mantra, the solo show reflects his ongoing exploration of mindfulness and self-expression through art. “Each mark, daub, [and] splash of paint is my mantra toward the same spiritual ends,” he says. “Being mindful during this process naturally leads one on a journey toward greater self-awareness, even revelation, all recorded on the canvas along the way.”
Mantra: May 2-June 28; Opening Reception: Friday, May 2, 6-8pm
BlackBird Frame & Art / 365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville / blackbirdframe.com