Opening reception for "Forwardspective," paintings by Dax Hansen. Exhibit runs May 2–July 2.
Artist's Statement
From a young age, I intended to follow my passion for painting—but, as life often does, other priorities quietly took its place. In recent years, upheavals—both personal and global—brought a shift in perspective. They carved out space and offered the quiet permission to begin again.
This show is my first since high school—a radical act of autonomy and vulnerability in midlife. A return, a beginning.
Most of these pieces were created in the last few years; a few are older. Some speak to each other across the walls, others stand alone. The work is varied—at times even unruly—but there’s a thread that binds them: a reflection of my inner landscape, offered to you, the viewer.
Thank you for taking the time to look.
The show is called Forwardspective - a nod to the fact that, even if I’m starting later than most, this is only the beginning of my journey in sharing my paintings.
Artist's Bio
I’m a Salt Lake City native. As a child, I watched my father paint in oils in his basement studio—quietly shaping images that spoke without words. I’ve always wanted to do the same: to create work that means something. I didn’t spend much time in school, so most of my “training” happened early, or not at all. I was fortunate to receive a grounding in art history — a gift I consider essential to any artist. It taught me to see those who came before, and how they answered the world with their work.
I read constantly—mostly literature and biographies. I want to live a life with depth and breadth, and books make that just a little more possible. I’m drawn to people—their flaws, their brilliance, their failures, their effort to try.
To stay grounded, I run—for fitness, yes, but also for my sanity. I’m part of the Artist’s Run Club, where art and movement intersect, and where I’ve found a deeper connection to the creative spirit of this city.
I share life with three remarkable, radiant kids, a clever little dog, and a beautiful, ceramicist wife—whose kiln keeps my studio warm in winter, and whose love keeps my heart warm all year.
More than anything, I hope to encourage others to make art—to reach inward, to draw out what’s hidden, and to offer it to the world.
“It beats all the things that wealth can give and everything else in the world to say the things one believes, to put them into form, to pass them on to anyone who may care to take them up.”
— Robert Henri
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Exhibits | Arts & Creativity |
Considered to be one of the finest Carnegie Libraries in the West, this 8,900 square foot library has two levels. Since its opening in 1918, it has been an important part of city services to Westside residents. The Chapman Branch was completely renovated, including an updated HVAC, following the collapse of the roof during 1993. A major remodel of the basement level meeting space in 2002 resulted in a much improved children's area and expanded service and collection space for adults on the ground level. A small meeting room is available for public use, and free wi-fi access is provided throughout the library. Street parking is available to the south of the building, and an external book drop is located on the east side of the building for returning library materials after hours.
