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Artist’s Statement:
As an artist, I enjoy changing my creative focus periodically, to look at the painting process from different vantage points. For several years I have found myself moving back and forth between impressionist and abstract painting. I often show these two bodies of work separately, but it feels more honest or informative to show people what is really happening in my studio. Each wall contains a different path of exploration, and on each wall there are examples of the two paths coming together.
In the impressionist work I have a certain set of issues that intrigue me. I approach these paintings in much the same way that I would an abstract piece. I focus on finding bright alive colors and unusual compositions and working within a shallow space.
The large difference between the approaches is in the order in which I deal with these issues. Most of the decisions are made in the beginning of the painting as I select my subject matter and decide how to frame the composition. After these large decisions are made, the process becomes much more subtle. I know a piece is done when it feels full of life!
I do these pieces when I feel like spending a long time looking at things. When I want to become absorbed in subtle changes in composition; and nurture something into being. I enjoy observing the surprisingly subtle geometry of nature.
However, sometimes I want to invent my own peculiar forms, or work off of something I have seen in another artists work. I’m especially interested in geometric patterns; particularly in textile designs and pottery. These things inspire me too. I enjoy the human made feeling they give. When I work off of these patterns it is comforting to think that these geometric shapes have been developed and used for many generations.
My abstract work feels somehow reversed in process to the impressionism. I might start with an idea, but I try to move the painting in surprising directions as I go. I will often find myself not satisfied with how the piece is developing and then decide to destroy two thirds of it, only leaving what I like behind. Then I am free to set off in a new direction with all of the space I have just created.
Perhaps I could use the metaphor of walking as a way to describe the differences in approach. In the impressionist path I may be setting out on a walk to the grocery store, and I get to enjoy all of the interesting gardens and back alleys that I see along the way. In the abstract work I am setting out on a walkabout. I don’t know where I will end up but I know it will be a great trip.
Visit The Gallery Dog
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