“280705,” collage diptych by Van Bankston.

Van Bankston is the featured guest artists at Local Color Gallery in Belfast from March 28 through April 23.

Bankston paints big, bold, geometric abstractions.

“My artwork is about being authentic — “editing the world, editing my life to what is the truth,” he says. “Going beyond the things I have done or acquired, with my painting, I want to create and evoke a visual pathway to experience spirituality. I hope my art encourages others to self-reflect; that it makes them stop, pause, take a breath and contemplate. I hope it is a respite that is life-giving, empowering and supportive of self-discovery.”

Bankston was born and grew up in the Mississippi Delta. He has degrees in landscape architecture, education and theology. He has also studied at the New York School of Interior Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. After years in New York City as in interior designer, he returned to Mississippi and worked full-time as an artist, which ultimately led to a call to the priesthood. He has served as an Episcopal priest since 2012. Bankston lives in Belfast. 

Local Color Gallery is at 135 High St., Belfast. Learn more at localcolorgallerymaine.com

https://www.loc8nearme.com/maine/belfast/local-color-art-gallery/6876580/