By David Hartz

David Hartz

Artist DAVID HARTZ's painting and photographic works are spellbinding. His goal is to push illustration into the realm of fine art, and exhibitions at such venues as the Carnegie Visual + Performing Arts Center prove he's succeeding. Check out five things that inspire this artist continue to create great works.

Fire. Fire is a life force. You can feed it, keep it alive or starve it and watch it die. I have created several fire sculptures. I plan the sculpture so that the flames create a three-dimensional composition. As the fire burns, pieces of the sculpture begin to move or fall. When the fire goes out, the piece is over.

Crop Circles. I feel very lucky to be living near Adams County, where a major crop circle was discovered in August 2003. I don't know whom or what creates them, but they're beautiful. I would like to create one someday, if only a farmer would allow me to construct one on his land.

Drawing. I take a small sketchbook everywhere I go and I sketch people in bars, restaurants, cafes, etc. My sketchbooks have a lot of local musicians in them because they're more apt to stay in one position for a long time and don't get worried if you stare at them.

Adult Cartoons. I love the Adult Swim television show. It's rare to see animation that is created exclusively for adult audiences and not children. As an animator, I see animation and cartoons as an art form. My personal animation and paintings are designed to elevate cartoons to a fine art.

Sleep & Dreams. My most favorite thing to do is to sleep in. I actually derive many of my ideas for my paintings and drawings from my dreams. The best time is in the morning when you're in a state of lucid dreaming, allowing the mind to be very receptive to surreal images.

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articulations offers five things important to one of cincinnati's visual artists. to be considered, contact jacquelyn vaughn, jvaughn(at)citybeat.com