Jeff Muhs was born in Southampton, New York on June 24th 1966. His father, an artist and third generation hunting and fishing guide, instilled in Jeff an intimate knowledge of their local natural environment. Thus the barrier beach of Long Island’s south shore would later become the heart of the inspiration for Jeff’s work. It was in these early years that Jeff; also a world champion sculptor, first learned the art of wood sculpting from his father. It is this traditional and exacting art form that developed in Jeff a dedication and penchant for excellence he has carried throughout his life. From 1984 to 1988 Jeff attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City, from which he received a Bachelors degree in Fine Art. It was there that he had his first formal art training and developed the techniques and tastes that would later shape his artistic aesthetics. It was through his own analysis of art history and what he learned that Jeff began the evolution toward what his work constitutes today.
Muhs is largely known for his work as a painter, exhibited in galleries, collections and museums nationwide. Continually inspired by the light and water and horizon that surround him, his painting has undergone an evolution from its beginnings of literal depictions of his environment, a journey of synthesis and simplification, roughly paralleling the history of twentieth century art. The same subject matter is used for inspiration, but the works are reduced to the point of abstraction, with a modernist touch. Recently set on re-exploring his sculptural background through the vast array of refuse and industrial materials, Jeff relates our connection to, and stewardship of the environment through the creation of biological and marine forms.
OPENING Thurs. Feb. 4th, 2010, 6 - 8pm, Feb. 4 - Mar. 9, 2010 