The Eiteljorg Museum presents Only a Matter of Time: The Paintings of Robert Griffing, open November 28, 2010.
Each year, during its annual Quest for the West show and sale, the Eiteljorg Museum honors one participating artist with the Artist of Distinction award. The winner is determined by the Museum’s Western Art Society and Staff. The following year, the museum develops a solo exhibition of the recipient’s work. It is the most prestigious award presented during the show, and is awarded to an artist based upon the overall quality of the work they submit, the stature and reputation of the artist, and their long-term contributions to the field. In 2009 Robert Griffing was presented with this honor.
Robert Griffing, Warrior’s Game, Little Brother of War, 2009 Loan: Courtesy of Ed and Phyllis Cockerill Eiteljorg Museum
Raised in Pennsylvania, Robert Griffing grew up admiring the work of artists such as Frederic Remington and N. C. Wyeth. He graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and pursued a successful 30-year career in commercial art before turning to depictions of 18th century Woodlands Indians interacting with the French and British. He has spent a life-time studying and appreciating art of all kinds. Griffing’s work shows the discipline and organization that are hallmarks of his artistic routine. He studies composition, placement, color, and historical details, and when he begins painting, Robert is confident and focused.
Only a Matter of Time: The Paintings of Robert Griffing includes a variety of paintings created over the past twenty years. They demonstrate Griffing’s commitment to portraying 18th century Eastern Woodland Native Americans. As he has said, “Eighteenth century historians have given us detailed accounts of the Woodland Indians, their culture, and their involvement in the eastern conflicts. But their true image has always eluded us. I hope that my attempt to accurately portray these people will create an awareness of a much neglected part of our heritage.” The show opens September 12, 2010 in the Paul Gallery and runs through November 28, 2010.
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