Motivated by color and balance of form, artist Mark Lifvendahl lets intuition guide him in the styles and shapes of the images he creates. His whimsical, Good Dog series began in 2008 as drawings on paper and the creatures in the series continue to evolve and take on a life of their own. Often the finished works are primitive,
totem/tiki/canine creatures which are inspired by the woods and Russian River near his home.
No formal art training has disciplined the artist’s creativity and the works often reflect the child-like nature and raw honesty of Outsider Art. In many of his works, little forethought or planning is attempted, instead, Mark relies on intuition and forces outside of his control to guide him.
Mistakes, happenstance and forces of nature help forge new styles, directions and techniques and guide the works to completion. During the Summer months Mark paints outside, directly on the ground under a large oak tree where leaves and petals often fall from above. The dappled sunlight, breezes, local animals and birds also bring inspiration. Unplanned, rapid paint application and random brush strokes lead to finished works which forever capture the action of the moment.
Often the resulting works surprise the viewer with duplicity and ambiguity. The magical creations are friendly, colorful and joyful. These raw, primal creations are often painted on discarded doors, reclaimed wood and found objects.
Through his art Mark seeks to impart some of the magic and joys of everyday life. Mark lives close to nature in rural, sunny California where he observes the stars, explores the coast and redwood forests, swims in the Russian River and practices yoga.
