Award Winners

 

ABOUT BEST IN SHOW ARTIST, HERNAN RODRIGUEZ

Born in Güines, Havana, Cuba in 1982, Hernan Rodriguez is a self-taught contemporary landscape painter with humble beginnings in the countryside. Surrounded by unique and exotic landscapes, Rodriguez discovered early on that painting would be his lifelong passion. Using the landscape of his hometown in Cuba as the prime motive and model behind his works, the artist garnered the attention of Raul Perdomo, a renowned Cuban landscape painter, and eventually became his apprentice. He later traveled to Miami, where he currently lives and works. 

 

In this new city and surroundings, Rodriguez's landscapes have become memories of his mother country. Showing impressive maturity and pictorial skill, his style demonstrates a simple approach to nature as the artist invites us into his world for a constant reflection between man and earth. Through an epic representation of the land and with an intense pigmentation, The artist has developed his own unique style of landscape, one within the style of traditional realism.

 

EDYTH BUSH AWARD STATEMENT

 

“Taking the Backroad” by Wonda Granville is a remarkable piece that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of philanthropy through its artistic expression. The blend of realism and abstraction in the artwork seems to evoke a strong sense of history and emotion, resonating with the themes of love and humanity.

 

The Heart of Florida United Way’s film “Know Your Place” appears to have been a significant influence on the selection of this piece for the “Art of Philanthropy Award.” The film’s focus on personal stories of racism, segregation, and bias in Central Florida’s history aligns with the artwork’s reflection on the state’s past and the ongoing journey towards a better future.

 

Wonda Granville’s journey from being an emerging artist at the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, to being honored with this award, is truly inspiring. Her story is a testament to the impact that art can have in both representing and fostering a love for humanity. “Taking the Backroads” will be featured in The Edyth, the headquarters of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. The Edyth, with its inspiring architectural designs and spaces for community gathering, will provide an excellent backdrop for Granville’s work, allowing visitors to appreciate the art in a space dedicated to the love of mankind. It’s a beautiful synergy between the artwork and the venue, both of which celebrate the rich history and philanthropic spirit of Winter Park, Florida.

- David A.Odahowski, President & CEO

 

 

JUDGES STATEMENTS

 

Morse Museum Award

"This painting evokes in us a sense of being out in the land.  It has a very consistent sense of light that draws us in.  It feels like we are at the top of a hill looking into a meadow.  The quality of drawing shows a very strong sense of gesture, forming the image from seemingly simple and broad marks.  The loose quality of the brush stroke is fundamental to how the artist works, but the painting has a strong sense of place and depth. This is achieved in a poetic but convincing manner.  It is very well composed, breaking into several distinct bands, each held within a consistent sense of color and value.  There are no hard edges, but we are led to see that the trees are real and that they recede into a place that we recognize."

 

 

Monte Livermore

"We selected this work for its surprising use of materials in the use of embroidery.  It encourages a close viewing in order to see the layering of the threads.  We found ourselves viewing the surface from different angles in order to recognize how the artist had worked, and what she had achieved.  We see the sharp blades of grass and the softness of the billowing waves, as well as the light sky of the horizon.  It is very impressive in creative technique, much like a crosshatch drawing, but with a strong sense of color leading us into the deeper space.  We are drawn to each individual stroke."