Shadow #1, acrylic on canvas, 18″ x 24″
Living In The Abstract
It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since I first featured abstract artist Barry Mack on this website. Over these past years, I have watched him grow as an artist and enjoyed watching his creative growth and development as the artist he is today. In my continuing celebration of American Artist Appreciation Month, I’m taking an abstract turn from previous posts in sharing the art and backstory of my old dear friend from Portland, Oregon.
Floating Freedom #29, mixed media, 18″ x 24″, 2024
Barry Mack is an artist whose life and career exemplify the enduring promise of the American dream. In a world where opinions are increasingly polarized, Barry stands firm in his belief that now, more than ever, it is crucial to embrace the identity of an American artist. This conviction is not just a statement of national pride but a reflection of a deeply held understanding that to be an American artist is to participate in a rich and complex tradition that values freedom, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Mack 6699, digital original, 2024
Born and raised in a country that offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, Barry’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the support of a community that believes in the value of art. For Barry, the American dream is not a cliché or an outdated ideal; it is a living, breathing reality that he has been fortunate enough to experience firsthand.
Now, more than any other time in history, it's important to value being an American artist. I know that's saying a lot, and a lot of people might disagree, and I'm totally okay with that. Being an American artist is something that you've got to instinctively understand and appreciate.
Awakening, acrylic on canvas, 72″ x 48″
The American dream, as Barry defines it, is the ability to do what you love, to make a living from it, and to create a life that is, in every sense, a dream come true. This dream is not about wealth or fame, but about the freedom to create, to be your own boss, and to offer something valuable to the world. In Barry’s case, that something is art—a service that he believes is not only valuable but essential.
Floating Freedom #1, mixed media, 18″ x 24″, 2024
Barry’s journey has not been without its challenges. Like anyone who has pursued their passions, he has faced his share of difficulties, including moments of deep reflection and doubt. These “dark nights of the soul,” as he describes them, are a part of the journey, but they do not define it. Instead, they underscore the reality that the American dream is not a simple or easy path; it is one that requires dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision.
Despite the challenges, Barry has remained committed to his work and his vision. Over the years, he has established himself as a respected artist, with a career that spans decades and a portfolio that has been exhibited across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast, and even in Europe. His work has attracted collectors from around the world, a testament to the universal appeal and significance of his art.
Mack 8424-9b, digital original, 2024
For Barry, being an American artist is not just about geographical location or nationality; it is about a mindset, a way of seeing the world, and a commitment to a particular set of values. It is about embracing the freedom to create and the responsibility that comes with it. It is about understanding that art is not just a personal expression but a service to others, a way of bringing people together in a world that often feels divided.
Barry’s story is, in many ways, the story of the American dream. It is a story of hard work, determination, and a deep respect for the opportunities that this country has provided. It is also a story of gratitude—for the friends, the community, and the country that have supported him along the way.
White Ivory #3, acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 36″
As an artist, Barry has always sought to create work that resonates with people, that speaks to the human experience, and that reflects the values he holds dear. His art is a celebration of life, of freedom, and of the beauty that can be found in the world around us. It is also a reflection of his belief that the American dream is not just a relic of the past, but a vibrant, living reality that continues to inspire and empower people today.
If you don't feel it, then I can't explain it. If you do feel it, you know what I'm talking about. Being an American artist in today's world, I believe, is important.
In a time when the concept of the American dream has come under scrutiny, Barry remains a staunch advocate for its enduring relevance. He understands that the dream is not without its critics, but he is undeterred. For him, the American dream is something honorable, beautiful, and inspiring—a vision of what is possible when individuals are free to pursue their passions and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
Barry Mack’s life and career are testaments to the power of that vision. He is proud to have spent his life painting as an American artist, and his work continues to inspire others to embrace their own dreams, whatever they may be. His story is a reminder that the American dream is not just an idea but a lived experience—one that is alive and well in the heart of every artist who dares to dream.
Barry Mack
Viewing Art, we discover unconscious worlds within. Through the Pure Experience of abstract visual languages, Art allows a dialogue for Awareness.
Through critical analysis and commercial exposure, Art creates momentum as an industry and source for civil metamorphosis. We participate in this process through Art.
Our aesthetic experience lives through Art and contributes to our shared evolution. Art connects us, frees the imagination and ignites creativity.
All art and images copyright © Barry Mack. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
