Randy L Purcell

Randy L. Purcell is a visual artist based in Nashville, TN. He attended Middle Tennessee State University at the age of 37 to study art. In class, Randy learned about encaustic art; a method of painting that involves heated beeswax to which pigment is added. Randy made the process his own by transferring ink from magazine pages onto the beeswax to create a mosaic-like composition. The patina and hidden pictures or text make the painting look like it’s a photograph made from memory. The imperfections and highlighted areas re
plicate how people capture an image that will resonate with that person for years to come.

Since starting his professional art career in 2010, Randy has been a fixture in the Middle Tennessee art scene. Exhibitions of his artwork include showcases for ArtFields, ArtPrize, an installation at Honeytree Meadery, and participation in the Memphis-based “The Art of Science.” He has created murals in locations like Donelson’s hot chicken restaurant Party Fowl and the MTSU Veterans Center. Randy’s early interest in making furniture has resulted in the creation of pieces of functional artwork as well, including the Metro Arts Nashville “Bee-Cycle” bicycle rack and the ReTune Nashville effort to repurpose damaged musical instruments and equipment. His work has appeared in fine art galleries, schools, restaurants, and in private collections all over the United States and Canada.

Randy is on the board of Number, Inc. and Turnip Green Creative Reuse.