Russ Hanbey
Tucson, Arizona
206-383-3453 russhanbey581@hotmail.com
I was born in the channeled scablands of Eastern Washington. Drifting through these dry rolling plateaus and basalt outcrops, I was indelibly influenced by their subtle, yet powerful opulence of light, muted colors and texture. In the foreground, features such as sage brush, reptiles and rusted human cast-offs exuded a blunt simplicity that has influenced my works of wood and wire. Current depictions are of Sonoran Desert plants and insects intermingled with weathered debris. They are rough reflecting the hard edges and natural architecture of the desert milieu. Cast-off and repurposed wooden picture frames enclose each piece. Recently, handmade paper from Asia has been added for depth and contrast. The works fall into the genre of assemblage art.