Lydia Jacob in Brisbane by Raymond E. Waydelich
7 May – 22nd June 2024
Raymond Waydelich hails from Alsace and became an artist due to a deep inner calling. Alsace is a paradise for those who appreciate fine food, friendly gatherings, local festivities, picturesque landscapes, and rich history.
Artists see the world through their unique perspective, allowing them to look beneath the surface of mundane realities. This ability is a defining characteristic of an artist. In their perception, objects take on a soul and tell a story. Just as children name and personify their toys and engage in imaginative play, artists draw out the essence of their surroundings, engaging with the world around them.
As they grow, many artists may find themselves in corporate roles, managing strategies, balance sheets, or curricula, or running service stations and advertising agencies. Unfortunately, this adult world often inhibits the innocent wonder they once had, making it harder to perceive the magic that lies between reality and imagination.
In contrast, artists maintain a heightened sensitivity to the world around them. They listen with an open curiosity to the interplay of characters and opinions. Their materials are fixed morality and dreamy fantasy elements that are vibrant and dynamic. Artists perceive and shape these into their own creations, translating them into colour, ceramics, wood, metal, or drawings. They reveal what often seems insignificant or invisible to the „adult“ world.
As a result, artists inhabit a more naive, yet infinitely more colourful and surprising realm. This world may appear childish and trivial to a business-minded individual, but at times, that individual may recognise the richness and value of this other world through an artist’s work, which can evoke memories of the „paradise lost“ in their own life experiences.
Raymond Waydelich embodies this spirit as an artist. Overflowing with projects and ideas, he successfully brings his dream to life. His achievements can be attributed to his craftsmanship—he skillfully selects, paints, and shapes various materials. Additionally, he is a gifted draftsman, adept at finding and drawing the lines that create figures, animals, landscapes, and architecture with a steady hand. Alongside legends like Tomi Ungerer and Camille Claus, he is celebrated as one of the greats of Alsatian drawing.
A drawing or etching by Raymond Waydelich displayed on a wall is not merely decor; it is a statement that reflects the education and culture of its owner.
Text: Tilmann Krieg for Gallery Cascade Art Concept 2024
