Lewis Murray (1955 - )

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Lewis was born in 1955 in Anniston, Alabama. He is married with two sons ages 8 and 10. For almost twenty years He worked in a psychiatric hospital facilities, with all manner of patients, from adult alcoholism patients to very young children. This has given him unique insight into the human condition including resilience and strength in the face of great difficulty. When asked about his career in this field, Lewis remarks "Mostly I think I have gained a real sense that people are much more alike than they are different, and being mentally "healthy" is best thought of in terms of a continuum taking into account many factors.  I feel very fortunate to have had the life I have had so far."

 When asked about his art, Lewis says the following:  "I have always been a "doodler", the kind of kid who drew pictures during class, doing cartoon strips with a like-minded friend.  It was only when I reached my 20s that I was encouraged by a co-worker to seriously devote some time to drawing as I might have some talent (she is now my wife).  I began using paints only a few years ago.  I don't consider myself a painter, but think of what I do as "painted drawings."  I never had the formal instruction to be a professional artist. I still do many more ink drawings than I do paintings. Most things I do have some sense of the fantastic about them or something that is out of place, it's hard for me to just do a "straight" piece.

 I also figure there are plenty of fine artists who can render realistic pieces more interestingly than I can anyway. I usually sit down without any idea of what I am going to do, I just want to do something, make something where there wasn't something before.  I like the feel of wood so usually that is what I prefer to paint on."

Lewis currently suffers a chronic physical illness that sometimes necessitates taking a number of medications. He says " In a detached sort of way it has been interesting to me to view trends in my art that obviously reflect my physical and mental state, some of which is caused by my illness and its effects, some by my response to various medications, and some by just the ebb and flow of life events. My artwork allows me to express myself and is something I can do freely whereas my physical activities are often limited by how I feel and what I can cope with.

Lewis currently holds a position as a teaching assistant at an elementary school.  This entails working with children that are learning disabled and exhibit emotional or behavioral problems.

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