"Open to Suggestions"

Limited Availability; Thomas Arvid "Open to Suggestions " Limited Edition S/N of 195  Size 20" x 30" and Artist's Proof Edition of 75 and 20" x 30" Metal Edition of 45 About "Open to Suggestions" Painting Hinting at an evening spent in great company, tasting and comparing different vintages of the same wine, “Open to Suggestions” illustrates, once again, that nobody captures details and nuance like Thomas Arvid. Taking a single element that has the potential to be redundant (all corks from the same wine), Arvid arranges them unexpectedly and shows us, unequivocally, that each one is unique. By highlighting the different shades of the corks, the individual stains, and the differing textures, Arvid takes something repetitive and predictable and transforms it into something intriguing and unexpected, much like a jazz musician transforming a traditional melody into an exciting arrangement. Since taking a leap of faith in the early 1990s, quitting his day job, and selling his possessions so he could focus solely on creating art, Arvid has been adamant that his work be original. Painting wine at a café in Atlanta early in his career, he became locally known as the “Wine Artist,” and quickly had a waiting list for his next painting. He took his first trip to Napa Valley to make sure no other artists were already exploring his oeuvre, and history was made. His relationship with Silver Oak Cellars was planted in the mid-1990s and continues to flourish today. In celebration of Arvid’s release of “Open to Suggestions,” Silver Oak Cellars is providing corks for customized frames for this dynamic work of art, a terrific opportunity for collectors created by Arvid’s investment in authenticity and quality in his work and relationships. Thomas Arvid Preeminent Painter of Wine Thomas Arvid possesses an unerring ability to refine a moment. In doing so he captures our wonder and has become an art world phenomenon. Named one of the top "25 Artists You Should Know" by US Art magazine, Arvid receives critical acclaim for his ability to portray centuries old traditions in a startingly fresh style. His oversized still life compositions of wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption are often called "photo-realistic." Arvid's images astound viewers with their intricate details and his mastery of light, depth and reflection. Arvid's influence on the art world has been the focus of an Art Business News cover story, profiles in Wine Spectator and the Los Angeles Times, and featured on the cable program "In Wine Country." Influential collectors of his work include many important wineries. Silver Oak Cellars, Shafer Vineyards, Diamond Creek Winery and Flora Springs Winery all display Arvids prominently. The magic of his painting is in Thomas Arvid's ability to visualize and chronicle an entire scene beyond the frame - to tell a story of enjoyment and the good life - using lush color and adroit composition. he illuminates and shares that moment with viewers. The aura surrounding the work of Thomas Arvid is palpable. Arvid's international appeal has created such demand that his work is represented by over 50 elilte art galleries in the US, Canada and Japan, and collectors are willing to wait years for one of his originals. In the span of ten short years, the artist has achieved spectacular success and no one has been more awed by the response than Arvid himself. "I'm so lucky that I get to make a living doing what I love. I paint because I enjoy the process and the surprise of creating something from nothing - just a vignette in my mind, a blank canvas and tubes of paint. It's amazing. Then my collectors are able to find a personal connection and fulfillment in a piece of my work. That is truly special." Thomas Arvid's natural charisma and infectious enthusiasm for art and wine guarantee his continued success and popularity. Arvid's work and philosophy is perfectly embodied in his famous phrase, "Life without art is like dinner without wine. Why bother?"