Ever see that a gallery is having a show of an artist that hasn't been at the top of your list so you pass it up?  I encourage you to reconsider, even if for only a moment because the hope is that as artists we grow.  I had seen VRBA's work at CORE New Art Space and had the opportunity to discuss his work with him at the opening.  He has a very Jackson Pollock feel and large paintings, that busy in a small space can be overwhelming.  The other thing I remember about VRBA is that he wasn't really interested in connecting with the public.  He seemed shy but over the top shy and awkward in his interpersonal skills.  THAT's ALL CHANGED.

VRBA is currently showing at NEXT Gallery and his work is evolving at an unbelievably fast pace.  His new body of work is thought provoking and more personal to his life story.  He has taken his Pollock influenced work and brought it closer to home in more ways than one and created work that drives you to ask questions about how he came to this new vantage point.

I was fortunate to catch him in the few minutes when the gallery was quiet so he could tell me about the inspiration for the work and his ideas for moving forward.  He was articulate and engaging.  He was insightful and playful.  He seemed to glow as he talked about the work, especially his piece "Dukey's Great Adventure". 

This exhibit really shows what happens when an artist takes a leap and lands squarely in the middle of creative intrigue and showmanship.  I'm thrilled for him because it seems like VRBA has turned a corner not only in his creative pieces but in how he stands as an artist in the world.

Loving it...
Greg