PAINTING THE WORLD (AND HIS TRUCK) AS HE SEES IT

by John Jones

Picture an image of a brontosaurus in the middle of the Arizona desert, a funeral parlor decorated in bright colors and the giant leg of a woman in front of a smoking factory. Images displaying the common absurdity of everyday life fill the imagination of local artist Kelly Coalier.

Coalier, an avid "road-tripper" has been all over the country and parts of Canada. In his art, he has created a unique view of the road and the various places he has visited.

"When I go on the road, I take about two or three rolls of film. I develop them later and use them as a starting point," Coalier said. He then records his impressions on canvas. Coalier's paintings could be viewed as somewhat abstract. He uses bright and friendly colors, along with strong shapes and angles to characterize his subjects. He explained that he is fascinated with shapes and the subjects of his paintings.

One can't help but chuckle a little bit at some of the subject matter, and this appears to be his intention.

When you first walk into the Fine Arts building, you are greeted with 18 pictures of George Washington. There is a "George" surrounded by little United States; "George" is in drag, and "George" is obscured by colors and lines.

"Art is overintellectualized," Coalier explained. "I like to make artwork. I have no philosophy, and I like to keep an open mind."

For instance, one of Coalier's paintings, titled "In-laws," depicts a giant, colorful thanksgiving turkey still in it's package sitting near a dinner table. Coalier smiled and explained the image.

"I don't eat meat, but my wife's parents came over and insisted on having a turkey," he said.

Coalier is a lifelong St. Louis native. In his exhibition, he also displays some images from the metro area. Natives can instantly recognize the giant boat of Noah's Ark Restaurant emblazoned on his canvas. He has a knack for making the ordinary larger than life and somehow more colorful.

Coalier doesn't confine his art to the studio either. To him, art seems to be life. He described painting his truck.

"The truck was kind of new. Eventually I decided to paint it. It took three days," he said.

Images of birds and rolling hills now cover the small pickup.

The artist has also asked permission to paint a Bi State bus. He says Bi State is open to the idea but is going with a different artist for the present.

Coalier doesn't plan on selling any pieces soon.

"Nobody else is doing this kind of work," he said. "This is the kind of thing that may be popular thirty years from now."

Coalier's work is on display in the gallery of the Fine Arts Building. The display contains some of his recent paintings and oil sketches.