Strange creatures inhabit the mind of Dr. Forrest Greenslade. His whimsical sculptures and paintings, which he calls Forrest Dwellers, are derived from a life-long love of nature and mythology. Greenslade's work is now featured in the "art room" at downtown Pittsboro's General Store Cafe. GSC proprietor Vance Remick says, "We are delighted to have Forrest Dwellers skulking around around our restaurant.They bring a feeling of joviality to our place." Included in the GSC show is Greenslade's "Happy Hour" series in which he wonders, "What would happen if animals had a bar of their own."
Greenslade’s work is highly stylized, bounding on cartoonish. His paintings are sculptural, built up with inches of thick acrylics and modeling paste to the point that they nearly jump off the canvas. His sculptures are enhanced with innovative coatings and patinas producing color, texture and an illusion of movement. “I want people to experience motion and emotion in my art,” Greenslade asserts, “so my faces are seldom symmetrical and my figures just can’t stand still.” Greenslade’s use of materials is eclectic. “Because of my scientific training, I tend to be experimental in my choice of media,” he explains. “I use metal, concrete, clay, acrylics, wood, found objects – whatever tells the best story.”
Greenslade’s work feels rather naive, even childlike. Educated as a molecular biologist, he spent his working life as a scientist and organizational executive -- but in his dotage, he discovered his creative self. “After a lifetime of serious business, it’s nice to let the little boy out,” he smiles. “It’s more fun that any old guy deserves.” Greenslade is a member of ChathamArts, the Chatham County Arts Council. He currently serves as President of the Chatham Artists Guild., the organization that produces the Chatham Studio Tour the first two weekends each December. He teaches sculpture workshops at Central Carolina Community College.
The *General Store Café* (http://www.thegeneralstorecafe.com) is at the center of Chatham cultural activities, displaying its art, and featuring its musicians. It is open 6 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves Sunday brunch. With articles in the Bon Appétit and Southern Living Magazine as well as numerous newspapers throughout the Triangle area, the café has become a favorite community gathering place as well as a destination for a lot of new folks.
Caption: Happy Hour at the Raw Hide Hay Bar, an acrylic painting by Forrest Greenslade
Contact:
Forrest C. Greenslade, PhD
919-545-9743
sculptor@forrestgreenslade.com
http://www.forrestgreenslade.com
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