Creative Spotlight - Chuck Dooms, One of These Things is Not Like the Others

Following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s about 5 years ago, I had time on my hands. I started playing around with photos I’d taken by digitally painting over them and altering them using different apps. 

Biggest Influences

My mood always influences my work. And weather. Crazy, huh?

Favorite Artists

Past would include Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, and Norman Rockwell. Present would include David Hockney (no one captures water quite like he does), Banksy (I love how he thumbs his nose at the art establishment) and Donald Roller Wilson (I’m a sucker for monkeys wearing clothes).

What Can People Expect at “One of These Things is Not Like the Others?”

A lot of collage work. I’m also throwing in some “Demotivation Posters. I worked in the corporate world for almost 30 years and always found the standard motivational posters hilarious.

Briefly Describe Your Process 

Using photos, I’ve taken or found on the Internet, I start with pictures in a black and white format and digitally paint over them using a stylus as my brush. I then add my subject to a background that purposely doesn’t fit.

I want you to smile or smirk when you view my work. There’s no message or hidden message to it. I’m just telling a private joke. I’m providing the punch line. The setup is whatever YOU decide it is. 

Advice for Aspiring Artist

I’m pretty new to the art community. My advice would be to immerse yourself. Jump in head first. Go to art shows and meet established artists. Over the past few years, I’ve met the kindest, most supportive people in the Wichita art scene. Put your work out there. Go ahead and take your work seriously, but not yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Most important, make sure you support other artists. Be brave and have fun.

See Chuck Dooms’ new exhibition One of These Things is Not Like the Other at L’Image (615 W. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213), Oct. 4th through the 25th and find more of Chuck’s work online at https://darla-dooms-vjvh.squarespace.com/digital-art.