Tim Houghton

Auckland - New Zealand

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For as long as I can remember, since my earliest days, a cluster of interests have to a large extent have defined who I am and what direction my life would take. These interests include creative expressions - both visual and written - culture and people, travel and faith. Over the years I have been amazed at how these interests have resurfaced in various combinations like a giant Rubiks cube, to define the focus of my life.

The 'people' part of it shows up in my studying social work in London, 10 years doing community development among the poor in the inner city of Oakland, California, my current work in refugee resettlement and in an long stading desire to �make a difference� in this world in which I find myself.

The 'faith' part has to do with my long, 10 year search for something in which I could put my whole trust, that would be absolute and knowable, which finally led me to becoming commited to Jesus. My faith-journey since then is a part of everything I am and do. My painting is carried out in full recognition that any gifts or skills I have have come from God and should reflect His character and creativity.

The 'creative' part led me to complete a 4-year painting degree in Fine Art at Cardiff College of Art in Wales. Since then I have shown my work in a variety of one man and group shows, mostly in California. I currently work from my home studio in New Zealand. I love combining various forms of visual expression and work in a loose style using strong vibrant colors to capture the movement and energy of a scene.

When teaching, my main goal is to help students see subject matter creatively, build strong abstract compositions, work effectively with value patterns and develop a personal visual language. I have worked professionally as a graphic designer and taught at college level in many settings, from the formal classroom with large groups to one-on-one individual instruction. I love to see people discover and develop their gift for painting.

My love of 'culture' and 'travel' has led me to over 45 countries, most recently Kashmir, India. I am fascinated by the color and vibrancy of the world�s cultures and peoples - and the challenge of capturing these visual experiences on paper.

Looking back, much of what I have done in my life has been to meet their demands and expectations of others - to make money and pay the bills. Art on the other hand, is something I do for myself. When I paint I do so with no thought of having to complete it by a certain date or having to explain it to anyone else. It is reflective and allows me (forces me?) into a place of quiet. It helps me to 'see' the world, to go beyond the hurried glance and rush of life to really look at something. The simplest of objects - a flower, a house, a tree, a scene in India - quickly becomes overwhelmingly complex and challenging when trying to express it on paper.

A few years ago I felt I was to focus all my energy on one thing and to do it really well. That is what I am now trying to do with my painting. Some days - when everything is going wrong - this feels like a huge mistake! At others times, I recognize that creative expressions are so much a part of my life I have no choice but to keep going!

Shows and Exhibitions:

Javarama Gallery & Cafe ---- One Man Show -- Alameda, C.A. -- November 1994
San Francisco Vineyard ----- Juried Mixed Show -- San Francisco, C.A. -- June 1994
Vines Gallery Cafe ------------ One Man Show -- Alameda, C.A -- March 1994
Henry's Gallery Cafe ----------- One Man Show -- Oakland, C.A. -- November 1986
Obadiah Christian Arts ------- Juried Show -- Berkeley, C.A. -- September 1986
Art Zone Gallery ---------------- One Man Show -- Alameda, C.A. -- March 1986
Alameda Art Association ---- Juried Show -- Alameda, C.A. -- May 1984
Art Zone Gallery ----------------- Two Man Show -- Alameda, C.A. -- February 1984
Henry's Gallery Cafe ---------- One Man Show -- Oakland, C.A. -- January 1984
First National Bank ------------ One Man Show -- Alemeda, C.A. -- September 1982
Oliver Gallery -------------------- One Man Show -- Oakland, C.A. -- August 1982
Coffee Cantata ----------------- One Man Show -- San Francisco, C.A. -- July 1981
The Coffee Mill ----------------- One Man Show -- Oakland, C.A. -- March 1981
The Landing Restaurant ------ One Man Show -- Alameda, C.A. -- April 1981
First Presbyterian Church --- Mixed Juried Show -- Berkeley, C.A. -- April 1981
U.S. Attorney's Building ----- S.W.A. Juried Show -- San Francisco, C.A. -- November 1980
S.F. 34th Arts Festival ------- Mixed Juried Show -- San Francisco, C.A. -- September 1980
Menlo Park Civic Center ----- S.W.A. Juried Show -- Menlo Park, C.A. -- September 1980
Periphery Gallery --------------- Mixed Show -- Berkeley, C.A. -- August 1980
Ohlone College ------------------ S.W.A. Juried Show -- Fremont, C.A. -- August 1980
Fairfax 4th Annual Festival - Juried Mixed Show -- Fairfax, C.A. -- June 1980

Awards:

Garden Show ------------------- 2nd Place (Watercolor) -- San Francisco, C.A. -- March 1984