I came upon Herry Arifin's work, when I was doing a search for Canadian watercolour artists. And I will be candid when I say that his work took my breath away. My immediate response was, "Who is this guy? His works are really good".After making contact with Herry, I discovered that he is retired and has only been painting for 9 years. What's more, Herry admits that he never drew or painted before that time. Herry is the first to admit that he was too busy with work and family responsibilities. So, there's hope for any newcomer providing they've got the tools. But before I get too carried away, Herry confesses that his achilles heel is painting people and their faces. (Well, don't worry about that Herry - for there are lots of very mature artists who jump through hoops to avoid those issues. ever wonder why you see people looking away from you in paintings?)
Herry lives in Toronto, and he paints both urban and country scenes. That is refreshing, for many painters prefer rural and wilderness landscapes.
Herry sees painting as his preferred means of communication. When he worked he communicated with words but now that he is retired he lets his paintbrush do the talking. And his visual scenes speak loud and clear!
Herry's collection of favourite artists include Andrew Wyeth; Hardy Gramatsky and Serge Hollerbach.
What surprises me is that Herry is not a galleried artist. I get the impression that Herry values being his own guy. He's not likley about to fill his portfolio with paintings and go knocking on gallery doors. (although I wouldn't be surprised if gallery's come knocking on his door before long). Herry enjoys the freedom of retirement and a pension and his ability to market his works on internet.
A good barometer of Herry's rapid rise in the art community can be found on the counter of his You Tube Videos. His first video clocks in with about 3,500 viewers. (see Herry's You Tube link in the right column)
To check Herry's website out, please click here. but be prepared to sit down to a visual banquet.
What I love about Herry's work is his comfort with the medium. I teach watercolour and getting beginners to loosen up with the materials is the hardest thing. I have watched Herry's time lapses. The way order appears out of (apparent) chaos around the middle of the process is almost hypnotic. He is a natural.
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