‘Island Grille’ – 1952 Chrysler. The Artworks of RUSSELL RISKO. I’m interested in portraying vintage vehicles as they deteriorate within the landscape. The ‘Grilles Series’ explores nature’s reclamation of vintage vehicles that have arrived at the final, full stop of their existance.
I want to investigate the Rusty Relic Roadsters, the Grassland Gas-Guzzlers, the Historic Hoopties wasting away in the wastelands. I hope to capture the beauty of the Vintage Veterans, the Bone Yard Bangers, the Crumbling Clunkers before they completely disintegrate. And by doing so, resuscitate the Junkyard Jalopies, the Lemon Lizzies, Rust-Bucket Autos as they antiquate. Long forgotten and discarded, perhaps my ‘Grilles Series’ can recapture one last gesture of their significance.
Watercolor and wax pencil on artist-grade paper.
About the Artist – Russell Risko is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator and Fine Artist. During his 40-year career as a verbal and visual communicator, Russ achieved leadership roles as Art Director, Creative Director, Principal Partner and Ad Agency President. His work has appeared in countless regional, national and e-zine publications and website properties. Russ has written on a wide range of topics, publishing corporate press announcements, advertisements, case histories and feature articles. In addition, his work (in digital and in print) has earned the recognition of his peers – resulting in numerous professional awards throughout his career.
Russ has entered the final chapter of his career, unfettered by the “need-it-yesterday” time constraints of the advertising/graphic design world. He now has the opportunity to move beyond his commercial art past and exercise his fine art muscle; to give birth to new visual perspectives; and to invest in the time necessary for such exploration.