Stanton Dodson
Constantly Competing, 2026
acrylic on canvas
48 × 48 inches
$ 3,000
C-lective Curator’s Cut:
Constantly Competing is a playful study of independence, companionship, and the little rivalries that come with being together. Four birds take flight across a warm peachy backdrop, each with its own distinct form yet moving in the same direction, side by side. Their elongated silhouettes and shared trajectory capture an interesting balance between individuality and community, where each is free to fly alone but chooses the company of the others. The textured, maze-like background adds depth and movement, while the birds' staggered positions suggest a bit of friendly competition, as if each is quietly trying to get ahead of the group. Much like family or close friends, there is a natural rhythm to being together, complete with a little playful rivalry along the way.
We Love Stanton. Based in San Francisco, originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Stanton’s work is an homage to the beautiful places he has lived. Birds, fish, and plant life are recurring subjects throughout his paintings as he explores the movement and connection that exist naturally around us. Through simplified forms, imperfect marks, and layered color, Stanton creates paintings that balance movement with stillness, celebrating the feelings of freedom, connection, and calm they evoke, all while leaving room for us to bring something of our own to the work.
Stanton Dodson
-
B.S. Business Administration, Economics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2024
-
2026 — Solo Exhibition, Swells’a Brewing, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
2026 — Large-scale residential commission, San Francisco, California
2026 — Selected commercial and residential commissions, San Francisco Bay Area and North Carolina
“I'm drawn to the idea that something completely free can still choose proximity, companionship, and movement alongside something else.”
Stanton’s process is intuitive, often shifting as a painting develops, with elements left loose or unresolved so the work feels alive without feeling crowded. His practice has grown between the East and West Coasts, and his recent paintings have moved increasingly toward larger scale and site-specific commissions for residential and commercial spaces. The landscapes, wildlife, and light of the Outer Banks and San Francisco continue to shape his work and his relationship to place.
Interviews in progress, please check back soon!