JACH NEWS SERVICE
LAFAYETTE – Dressed in a light-colored shirt and tie, a smiling Justin Vining welcomed guests Friday into the Lala Gallery & Studio for his first ever public showing of his art work.
After compiling a sizable collection of his own paintings over the past two years, Vining seemed to enjoy talking to visitors during the opening reception for his “Worlds Apart” exhibit. His art work will be on display and on sale at Lala Gallery through Aug. 15.
The former art teacher is now in his final year of law school at Valparaiso University. He graduated from Purdue University in 2004 with a degree in art education. He taught in Pendleton, Ind., before pursuing a law degree with his brother, Nathan. He said studying law never got in his way of painting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adv.: Computer behaving badly. Go to www.LafayettePC.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I painted more in the past two years and I ever had,” Vining said. “I went from a modest income as a teacher for living off student loans so I needed some extra money. I tried selling my work and it was very tough going at first but I stayed at it and now I’m here in this beautiful gallery.”
Vining, 28, said he never left his art behind. Describing it as Tim Burton meets Dr. Seuss, he said his work is whimsical, cartoonish, bright and fun. Lala Gallery owner Angela Vinson said Vining is the kind of new artists that makes her gallery and showings unique. She said he came recommended by a Purdue professor and Tecumseh Junior High teacher Nancy Burge.
Vining mixes urban and rural landscapes with glimpses of Chicago, Good Ol’ Country Farms and appropriated compositions from Vincent Van Gogh and Thomas Hart Benton.
“His watercolors are some of my favorites,” Vinson said. “People have really enjoyed his work. We put some of his work out early and we sold so many of his smaller painting that we had to replace some along the wall.”
Vining’s parents, Myron and Cindy Vining, attended the reception along with grandparents Peggy and Clyde Rector, mentor Don Hall and friends from Tennessee.
“He did a lot of doodling to get to this point,” Myron Vining said. “I’m glad to see him do a lot of different things and expand his work. We’re very proud of him.”
There was a steady stream of people attending Friday’s reception. Vining said he will take the Indiana bar exam next year and hope to practice civil litigation, but has no intention of giving up his painting and will continue to produce painting while practicing law.
“I would like to paint full time,” Vining said. “That would be the dream, but we’ll see what happens. I will keep pursuing it and always carry with me always.”