Inside the Vault: Works from Public Art Collections
Utah's van Gogh
Boyd Reese's The Wight Family
Boyd Reese (1932 – 1990) was originally from Ogden, but he spent much of his time on the streets of Salt Lake City. The artist was well aware of his alcohol problem, which only added to his already troubled life. Because of these issues, Boyd thought of himself as the Vincent van Gogh of his day. Boyd never really exhibited his artwork anywhere, but he befriended the staff of the Utah Arts Council, and several of his paintings ended up in the State’s Fine Art Collection.
Boyd was spotted several times on the street, walking aimlessly with paintings under his arms. Some say his architectural paintings were his strongest, but Boyd was most proud of his figurative pieces, such as The Wight Family. He submitted a three page, hand-written treatise to accompany this painting. He calls it his answer to the existential questions of the Cold War saying “…only love, family, caring and understanding will help us survive – and we have to reevaluate these values, i.e. the programs.” The composition of The Wight Family is obviously after Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. He further explains, “Originally, my idea came from that of a family reunion and there was going to be food on the table – it evolved from that. And that is the reason for the cutoffs, Levis, tank tops and colorful blouses.”
The artist died in his late fifties after collapsing in an Ogden hotel room.
This column is sponsored by the Visual Arts Program of the Division of Arts & Museums. Each month the program distributes a newsletter about upcoming events and opportunities for artists. It also features a work from the collection each month. To subscribe, email fbaca@utah.gov.
Artists of Utah News
Are You Our Next Intern?
15 Bytes is looking for an editorial intern for the summer
The 15 Bytes Editorial Intern is an important part of our organization, helping to make 15 Bytes and our Daily Bytes possible. The intern works directly with the 15 Bytes editorial staff to produce, edit and layout content in our publications.
You'll be working with Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Wordpress and other online publication platforms, learning important skills that will be valuable to a variety of employers. You'll also be working in the coolest field around — the arts.
Applicants must be able to work well on their own initiative, play well with others (the public and our volunteer writers and photographers) and be able to produce on a deadline. Strong writing skills and familiarity with Adobe's Creative Suite or Final Cut Pro is a major plus.
We are looking for an intern to work with us June through August, 2014, with extension possible. Some of the work can be done at home, on your own time, but applicants need to have their own laptop and transportation and will need to meet with the editorial team in Salt Lake City a few times a month. Total number of hours is flexible.
If you're interested, please email 15 Bytes editor Shawn Rossiter at editor@artistsofutah.org and include any qualifications, current schooling and specific goals to achieve from the internship. |
|
15 Bytes: About Us
Our editorial contributors
The content you see in this magazine is provided by a fluid group of volunteers whose ability with the pen or camera is matched by their curiosity and enthusiasm for Utah's art world. 15 Bytes is an open community forum. If you are interested in writing an article, or providing images for our magazine contact editor Shawn Rossiter at editor@artistsofutah.org
 Ashley Anderson is a choreographer based in Salt Lake City. She is founder of loveDANCEmore, a blog and biannual journal about dance in Utah, and currently serves as 15 Bytes's Dance Editor. |
 Ehren Clark studied art history at both the University of Utah and the
University of Reading in the UK. He is now a professional writer. |
 Jared Christensen grew up in North Ogden and now lives in Salt Lake City. He holds a BFA in photography from Westminster College and works for 15 Bytes and Tanner Frames. |
 Shalee Cooper is a freelance photographer, curator and educator. She is the Gallery Director at Alpine Art in Salt Lake City. |
 Scotti Hill is an art historian based in Salt Lake City Utah. She teaches art history courses at Westminster College, University of Utah and Utah Valley University. In addition to her work in higher education, Scotti has experience in and actively pursues curating and freelance writing. |
 Sue Martin holds an M.A. in Theatre and has worked in public relations. As an artist, she works in watercolor, oil, and acrylic to capture Utah landscapes or the beauty of everyday objects in still life. |
 Larry Menlove is a graduate of the University of Utah. His fiction has appeared in many venues including Weber Studies, Dialogue, Irreantum and Sunstone. He lives with his wife, children and an old cat in Spring Lake. |
 Brent Orton grew up in Springville, and was one of the original “cave people” of Hagen Haltern’s “Intensive Studio.” Currently, Orton teaches mostly English at Truman State University and does art when he can—mostly photographic. |
 Joseph Puente is Founder of The Utah Filmmakers Association. Born in Los Angeles and residing in Salt Lake City, Mr. Puente is a five year U.S. Navy veteran. |
 Shawn Rossiter, a native of Boston, was raised on the East Coast. He has degrees in English, French and Italian Literature. A professional artist and writer, he founded Artists of Utah in 2001 and is editor of its magazine, 15 Bytes. |
 Geoff Wichert has degrees in critical writing and creative nonfiction. He writes about art to settle the arguments going on in his head. |
|
