The legacy of an artist

Chronicle photo by Joyce Orlando Tim Kamer’s work displays his passion for life and also for the world and people around him. Kamer’s last art showing was done at The Bridge Art Gallery as a one day special exhibit on Mar. 3.
SHEPHERDSTOWN – Art is a something that brings beauty into life and enriches cultures. In modern times it is also believed to be a window into the artist’s soul. Tim Kamer’s work displays his passion for life and also for the world and people around him. Kamer’s last art showing was done at The Bridge Art Gallery as a one day special exhibit on Mar. 3.
Kamer was a local resident, graduating from Shepherd University in 2000 with a degree in English who went on to start his Master of Fine Arts Degree from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, Calif. Kamer was a long time exhibitor at the Bridge Gallery and it was deemed a fitting place to have an exhibit of some of his last works of art.
“Tim’s mother asked to have a final show for him here (Bridge Gallery), he had always exhibited here in the past.” Kathryn Burn, curator of The Bridge Gallery said about holding one last show for Kamer.
The exhibit offered a wide selection of Kamer’s work: still lives, nudes and self-portraits to name a few. His work reflected his surroundings and the people that were a part of his life. Many of the paintings that were exhibited were from his work for his Master’s degree, others were personal ones.
“He (Kamer) painted one for me (mother), he always told me that he would give it to me when he was finished, I still don’t know if it’s done or not,” Kamer’s mother, Monica recalled.
Much of Kamer’s artistic talent was derived from self-teaching, but most was just a natural talent, his mother continued. Kamer wasn’t one to sign his art though, so as a remembrance, a memorial page was given to people as they viewed the exhibit.
One friend said, “He was a wonderful painter of the human formwith a sensitive touch and subdued romantic pallet.”
Another commented, “Tim was a phenomenal person so full of life and laughtersuch a beautiful smile!”
“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher once said. By looking at Kamer’s art a person could believe it.
Kamer was a person that touched many souls in his 37 years in this world. He will be remembered by those who knew him and by the art that he left behind.