The Natural Mind of Jeffery Craven

We might overlook the beauty of nature when we're constantly surrounded by asphalt and buildings. However, this isn't the case for Jeffrey Craven, who resides in Rigby, Idaho, amidst the seemingly pristine landscapes of mountains, grasses, and waters.

Constantly surrounded by the stunning world divinely crafted for us, Jeffrey swiftly cultivated a profound appreciation for the tranquility and essence found in the serene nooks of nature. This peaceful setting has undoubtedly demonstrated its ability to offer him a clear vision, along with the skill and patience needed to flawlessly translate what he observes onto a canvas.

In addition to living outside the city, Jeffery has a passion for fishing, which he often indulges in, connecting him to nature's rhythms. This provides him with ample opportunity to be inspired by nature. This profound love and appreciation have been passed down through generations, particularly to his nephew, Travis Humphreys, whose art also focuses on the beauty of our God-given world. Travis and as well and his son Levi, share a deep love for fishing and ensures they get to take the time away from our hectic lives to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

Fishing fosters a sense of patience, essential for both painting and waiting to set the hook. The artwork he produces requires hours of skill and a strong desire to portray the profound depth of our reality. What truly sets him apart is his skill in manipulating watercolor and gouache. His paintings appear as if they were created with a very sharp pencil, which is remarkable given the difficulty of achieving such crispness with watercolor due to its higher viscosity.

It's not surprising that he has enjoyed a successful art career, given his daring choice to transition from being an illustrator at the Department of Energy in 1979 to becoming a full-time artist, a decision that has truly paid off. Over the past 45 years, he has received numerous honors and medals in the art world, with his first award coming in 1979, the year he began, and his latest in 2014 when he submitted an impressive 660 paintings.

We are truly privileged to feature Jefferey Craven and his extraordinary legacy in our gallery. Our visitors are continually impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of his work and are often astonished to discover that he uses watercolor, a medium known for its unpredictability and difficulty. We are thankful to have him as a member of our family and of our business at Gold River Gallery and are thrilled to witness his legacy expanding globally through his exceptional artistry.

-Olivia Ishihara, daughter of Travis Humphreys.

Timeless Art

Looking at a photograph of cherished memories often rekindles the emotions we experienced at that time. Photographs offer a brief journey back to those moments, but we quickly return to reality. While photographs are special and easily captured—especially since most of us always have a camera in our pockets—this convenience has led to countless trivial photos that we rarely revisit.

When we dedicate time and effort to something, we value it more because we've invested our energy into its creation. This is how artists feel about their masterpieces, having infused each piece with energy, time, and love. Artists strive to accurately capture moments in time, with every brush stroke contributing to the process. They possess unique qualities such as remarkable patience and vision, unlike many of us who simply snap a quick photo and move on without daring to create ourselves. Creation takes a certain energy that not all of us possess.

In terms of energy, by focusing on the details of the artwork on our walls, we can start to sense the artists' pain, sadness, happiness, frustration, humor, appreciation, joy, and more. Artists pour their hearts and souls into their creations and take pride in their creations. When art adorns our walls, it has the ability to evoke a powerful feeling that resonates with us throughout our lives. Even better, artwork is passed down to our children and grandchildren, becoming an heirloom like a grandmother's wedding ring. Art is among the most special possessions we can bequeath to our children, as it tells a story and enhances their homes. More importantly, it reminds us of our families and the experiences throughout their life.

Art accompanies us during significant moments like bringing our first child home, the first day of school, a new job, or loss of a loved one, offering a moment of stillness in our chaotic, ever-changing world. While time machines may not exist, I've witnessed how my family's paintings have traveled through time without aging a day. And while our experiences are ever changing, the art we choose is timeless, and offers us a moment to travel through time.

Once Upon a Time - Jeffrey Craven

Growing Up - The Impact of Art on Children

As I photograph and take inventory of (Travis Humphreys ) my Dad's new work, it makes me think of how deeply my dad truly loves nature. As a child I remember so many drives with my family up to the mountains. So many rivers and lakes where I was just happy to play with my silbings and get dirty. I never really had the patience for fishing like my Dad and brothers, but I just loved being part of it. I remember being bothered by the windows always being down because my Dad always needed to be ready to take a photo. We always stopped along the side of the road to take little journeys to get the beautiful references he uses for his art.

My dad always included us in his art. I met so many artists growing up, and visited many galleries. I remember feeling special getting to take a trip with my dad to make frame deliveries. I hardly ever knew what the adults were talking about, but I loved taking in all the different pieces reflected in peoples homes. Art truly makes life special. It makes our homes a place we love to be, and when we move brings that comfort, beauty and familiarity along with us.

Visiting Dad in the workshop was always fun. He had endless art supplies and crafts that he always let us be a part of. One particular thing that was my favorite was when he would give us a machine that was meant to make homemade noodles, but he would give us clay to use on it instead.

As an adult I look back and realize how positively these experiences impacted my life, and the positive impact art has on children. I realize that having art be such an integral piece of my world, has influenced me to think outside of the box, dare to be different than others, dare to create, and dare to dream. Art has taught me to believe in myself, because I have seen with my own eyes the beauty that is created by the people that do, the people that dare to create without any instructions. Artists. They are the ones that silently change the world for the better.

-Sienna