Artist inspired by imperfection

July 22, 2009 | Arts, UToday
By Emily Hickey



"Menageri in Gold" by Dan Boos

"Menageri in Gold" by Dan Boos

Growing up with a speech impediment and an undiagnosed learning disability, UT alumnus and local artist Dan Boos communicated his thoughts, wants and needs by drawing pictures.

Boos’ earliest influence comes from his grandfather, who used crayons to teach him about color, lines and forms. From there, his passion for fine arts began.

“I believe that my interest in art became a constant as a result of experiencing those efforts to channel a message and witnessing the response of others to them,” Boos said.

His inspiration goes beyond his grandfather and other well-known artists to an ancient Japanese belief system known as Wabi-Sabi, in which one learns to find beauty in imperfection.

Boos said his inspiration for his paintings, sculptures and pottery comes from things such as cracks in the sidewalks, splashed tar and cars mangled from accidents. “I am most stimulated and motivated by things imperfect and accidental,” Boos wrote on his MySpace page.

Boos

Boos

He will showcase his diverse collection of acrylics at The University of Toledo’s 17th annual Art on the Mall on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Main Campus.

The public is invited to browse or buy at the free event, where Boos’ portraits, figures, seascapes and abstracts will be among works by more than 100 artists.

From his past involvement with Art on the Mall, Boos said, “I often hear people mention that they enjoy Art on the Mall as much and even more than the Ann Arbor show, and I agree with their perspective.”

For more information about the event or artists, contact the UT Office of Alumni Relations at 419.530.2586, 800.235.6766 or visit www.toledolalumni.org.

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