Ted Liles
February, 2013
Artist Statement
It is my fervent desire to create new and relevant art in the context of my cultural, social, and lived experiences. Trusting my intuitional and improvisational instincts is paramount to making this desire at least seem within reach. It’s like chasing a phantom. The moment you close in on it, it becomes a different ghost. For me, such is the challenge of making art. I just want my art to say something within an emotional and intellectual context. I want it to have soul! Color, line, rhythm, composition, and passion; these are my guides. Oils, acrylics, charcoal, ink and graphite are my basic media. Canvas, wood, boards, and paper are my vessels. New imagery is my goal. Now, I’m in a deep phase of experimentation, which is both intimidating and creatively addictive! Reality is our creation! No fear!!!
Ted Liles
Biography
Ted Liles was born on April 1, 1946 in Norfolk, Virginia in a little hamlet called Titus Town. He attended pre-school through elementary school in Titus Town where he was introduced to various modes of making art. Ted credits his high school art teacher, Mrs. Jennings, who inspired him by giving him the freedom to explore various artists and art forms. Ted attended Norfolk State University for Graphic Design/ Fine Arts and studied under visual artists A.B. Jackson and Howard Johnson. While at Norfolk State, Ted pledged Alpha Phi Alpha and graduated in 1969 with a BFA in Graphic Design.
Upon graduation Ted received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He then reported to Ft. Benning, Georgia for officer basic training. Ted attended Airborne school (paratrooper) and after graduating from jump school he became a training officer for the 49th training company. A year later Ted was sent to Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant. He served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade as a platoon leader.
After serving in Vietnam he was hired as a Graphics Arts Assistant by Hershey Foods in 1971 and was eventually promoted to Graphic Arts Coordinator and worked there for the next nine years. He taught for some time in Harrisburg before returning to Norfolk in 1980, where he joined a local Artist Coop (IFA ART STUDIO) and continued to paint. In 1990 he was part of a group of artists who opened ALIVE Art Studio, offering artist-friendly rates for studio space, instruction to young artists in the community and a performance site for poets, writers and musicians. Ted also worked in music retail at The Music Man and Planet Music in Virginia. Ted was commissioned by Planet Music/Millenium Music for a number of mural sized paintings in several states. Over the years Ted has worked as a manager in a variety of settings. He served as a council member on the Lebanon Arts Council in Lebanon, PA, playing an active role in supporting arts initiatives for the city.
Ted painted throughout the various eras of his life and exhibited his work widely. Ted passed away on September 6, 2014 and is survived by his wife Philomena Liles, 4 children, and 5 grandchildren.
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Record of Exhibitions
**Ted Liles has exhibited in several shows since the 1970’s; this is a record of a few of the exhibitions he has participated in over the last 15 years.
February/March 2014
African-American Art: Inspirations from Past, Present & Future, curated by Shaunn Casselle and features artwork by Ted Liles, Hamilton Glass, Sandra Sellars, and William Edward Johnson.
Group Show
West Creek Town Center
1st and 2nd Floor Galleries
15000 Capital One Drive
Richmond, VA 23238
Opening Reception, 2/28/14
April 2012
Art.ic.u.late
Group Show
Selden Gallery/ 1st floor
208 E. Main St.Norfolk, VA 23510
Opening Reception, 4/27/12
March 2012
Ted Liles- New Works
31 S. 8th st., 3rd floor
Lebanon, PA, 17042
Opening Reception, 3/2/12
March 2007
The Art of Prominent African American Artists
Group Show
The Selden Gallery
208 E. Plume St., 2nd floor
Norfolk, VA 23510
September 2010
12 and Under Small Works
Group Show
The Gallery at Lebanon Picture Frame
31 South 8th - 3rd floor
Lebanon, PA 17042 St.
August 2009
Solo Exhibit by Ted Liles
Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts
734 Willow St.
Lebanon, PA 17046
July 2002
Drama – New Paintings by Ted Liles
Grateful Bean Café
On the Square, Elizabethtown, PA
Opening Reception – 6/5/02
November 2001
Celebrating Peace and Diversity
Presents Artist Lecture/Workshop Series #5
Featuring Ted Liles
Southeaster VA Arts Association (SEVA)
Mazelle Gallery of Art- Gallery Rap - 11/10/01
October 2001
Ted Liles- Recent Work
Harrisburg Area Community College (Lebanon Campus)
Lebanon Campus of HACC
735 Cumberland St.
Lebanon, PA 17042