Expressionist
My expressionist art form evolves through gestural lines onto the blank canvas, then interacting with the canvas directly, bringing out images that occur and appear to me. I have worked this way since my mid-twenties in an increasingly complex manner. Recently, I have learned that this practice is described as a Jungian format aimed to bring the unconscious into a visible state. This implies that the process is a spontaneous conversation between myself and the canvas. Obviously, my thoughts, interests, and training surface in a variety of ways through this process.
I first envision waves of 'happenings' - influences, occurrences - past, present and potential, as moving across the canvas. Typically I express two or three related yet distinct feelings/perceptions and allow them to interact without thought. These lines form the start of a canvas. From that point, images from the past, present and imagined interact as I work with them, in composing the images. I particularly enjoy the reversal of perspective representing how a small item may sometimes rise to the forefront as an image 'driver'.
I have studied classical drawing techniques over the years to develop my descriptive skills, including basic form, perspective, figurative and portrait work, so that these learnings may inform my visions as they evolve from the canvas. As my iterative process evolves, these disparate images orient into relationships that carry deeper meaning. And abstracted quality persists within and among these detailed elements moving into and out of the canvas surface.
My professional background beyond my artwork consists of 42 years as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care, Health Advisory Planning Group - Wisconsin, personal advocacy and informal counseling, and public and university speaking on Trauma and Resiliency. I speak out to elevate awareness and minimize the amount of trauma others may experience. Trauma is universal and each of us cope to our ability. That ability shifts over time. Healing can first be encouraged through active non-judgemental listening to the story of the abused. The ability to speak out about one's trauma is inherently a healing process.
I first envision waves of 'happenings' - influences, occurrences - past, present and potential, as moving across the canvas. Typically I express two or three related yet distinct feelings/perceptions and allow them to interact without thought. These lines form the start of a canvas. From that point, images from the past, present and imagined interact as I work with them, in composing the images. I particularly enjoy the reversal of perspective representing how a small item may sometimes rise to the forefront as an image 'driver'.
I have studied classical drawing techniques over the years to develop my descriptive skills, including basic form, perspective, figurative and portrait work, so that these learnings may inform my visions as they evolve from the canvas. As my iterative process evolves, these disparate images orient into relationships that carry deeper meaning. And abstracted quality persists within and among these detailed elements moving into and out of the canvas surface.
My professional background beyond my artwork consists of 42 years as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care, Health Advisory Planning Group - Wisconsin, personal advocacy and informal counseling, and public and university speaking on Trauma and Resiliency. I speak out to elevate awareness and minimize the amount of trauma others may experience. Trauma is universal and each of us cope to our ability. That ability shifts over time. Healing can first be encouraged through active non-judgemental listening to the story of the abused. The ability to speak out about one's trauma is inherently a healing process.
