I’m excited to share that I am now in the USA. To be precise, in Washington State. It’s wonderful to have this fully-funded opportunity to connect with academics at Whitworth University. I am so interested to see what develops across the disciplines, especially in Art and Design, English and Theology.
Benny Fountain
I am here by invitation of artist, Benny Fountain, Associate Professor of Painting at Whitworth University in Spokane. Whilst here, I will be on the assessment panel for his full professorship and attending a couple of conferences.
Catalyst
I do so hope to be a catalyst for new ideas. First and foremost, I plan to share my artistic vision through an exhibition, talks, workshops, teaching and mentoring. We aim to stimulate conversations about the relationship of art and faith and identity. I really want to bring fresh imaginative possibilities to the students, faculty, and staff of Whitworth and the Pacific Northwest Region.
Colour – the language of love
I’m looking forward to sharing my teaching ethos of colour – the language of love. There’s so much to connect: faith, history, culture, literature and, above all, the practice of painting. This is my lifetime commitment and teaching ethos coming together.
Artist in residence
As artist in residence and exhibiting artist, I will co-teach with Benny in the Drawing and Painting classes. On top of this, I’ll be giving four colour talks and weekly open life drawing classes. Finally, I will give a lecture about my work.
Conference
I feel really honoured to be invited to Black Mountain College in North Carolina, Asheville. Considered the seedbed for American Art, I’m excited to be joining academics from across the USA to share my philosophy of colour.
Students
Above all, I am here for the next generation – to inspire and open the door to painting for Whitworth students and academics. Plus, to engage with deep questions of faith in these dark times.
Then, to continue my journey of friendship with Benny. By sharing my colour ethos with someone I trust, we can see the Light grow stronger in our world of painting and teaching.
Finishing on a high
At the end of my visit, I’m so looking forward to contributing to a conference at Black Mountain College where Joseph and Anni Albers taught, and, later, inspirational free thinkers like the de Koonings, Robert Motherwell and Cy Twombly. I recently learnt that Josef Albers was their very first art teacher – this is where he started to refine his seminal work on colour which I respect and know so well.
Again, it will be an honour to work alongside Benny and, also, Fritz Horstman, Education Director at the Albers Foundation where I was fortunate to be invited for their residency in 2022. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the gems in their collection.
I’ll try to contain my excitement at being in a place of such significance in the history of art and design education!
Events
For anyone who would like to join our adventure, here are some dates:
Events at Whitworth
Solo exhibition
The Call of the Visual Poet: Visionary Drawings & Prints
Bryan Oliver Gallery, Lied Centre for the Visual Arts, Whitworth University, Washington State, USA
Exhibition runs: 14 September – 9 October 2026 (gallery opening hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 4.30pm)
Reception: Tuesday 22 September in the Lied Centre, 4.30 – 5.30pm
Artist talk: Tuesday 22 September in the Lied Centre, 5.30 – 6.30pm
Associated talk
Why this waste? Art and the Christian Vocation
Natalie Carnes, Professor of Theology, Divinity School, Duke University, North Carolina
Robinson Teaching Centre, Department of Art and Design, Whitworth University, Washington State, USA
23 September, 4.30 – 5.30pm
Panel discussion
The Necessity of Art and the Language of Colour: A Collaborative Discussion on the Intersection of Art and Faith
Natalie Carnes, Richard Kenton Webb and Benny Fountain
Robinson Teaching Centre, Department of Art and Design, Whitworth University, Washington State, USA
23 September, 5.30 – 6.30pm
International conference at Black Mountain College
Albers, Bauhaus, and Black Mountain: Critique and Enhancements to a Modernist Color Legacy, 2 – 4 October 2026
Black Mountain College, North Carolina, Asheville
Session: October 2
Moderator: Benny Fountain
Session presenters: Fritz Horstman, Education Director at the Albers Foundation; Richard Kenton Webb; and Benny Fountain
Co-hosted by Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Centre and the University of North Carolina, Asheville
