Artist Statements from the
Gut and In Line
June 2009 exhibit STATEMENT Building upon and inspired by artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Anselm Kiefer, as well as the artists of the Abstract Expressionist and Arte Povera movements, I attempt to create work that is honest in its expression of energy and emotion. My paintings are records of the processes by which they are made. Those processes, be it gestural movements across a canvas or drawing blood from a vein for a portrait, are the artwork themselves. My work is therefore evidence of a very real and very visceral performance. Series Concept The theme of this series explores two forms of expression - large-scale ‘deconstruction paintings’ (a term which describes the work’s torn and ruined surfaces), and a series of portraits created with venous blood obtained from the portraits’ subjects. The deconstruction paintings are created by the destruction of their surfaces. The act of deconstruction, because it is instinctual and kinetic, allows me to work spontaneously and without regard for the aesthetic of the finished form. It is the act of deconstructing the paintings that is an expression of ardor and energy and it is that expression that gives the work meaning. In the same way, the act of obtaining the material for the blood portraits is the true artistic act. The process is not masochistic or violent in any way but is rather a selfless act of trust, sacrifice and love for the creation of something beautiful. The pieces are not images of their subjects but rather are made from them and therefore a true representation.STATEMENT As many other people I did a lot of doodling when I was in school. I remember filling page after page with lines in a labyrinth pattern. Now, many of those patterns and ideas are coming back. Usually artists represent what they like the most and I am not an exception. In Line presents a series of carved vessels: some with lines, some with leaves. The design is used to emphasize the clay and its contrast with the glazed areas. Very important in the creation of one of my pieces is form. Subtle changes while throwing have a very strong impact on the final form, as the trimming process has. Some forms create tension, some contrast, and some are simply stable. This is the first time that I use black glaze for this type of carved pieces. The speckles in the glaze are produced by a mineral in the clay, thus creating an oil spot effect. The green glaze is very temperamental. It can bubble ruining a piece, but it is so beautiful that to risk a piece is worth. Favorites? Sometimes a piece grows on you over time, and sometimes is love at first sight. I carefully selected the pieces for this show, and it surprises me that I have a favorite one: The Current. There is a balance and simplicity in this piece that profoundly satisfy me. I think it has to do with its form. But, by now I have so many favorite ones that I better let them move on. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| For More Information Contact: Ellen Chisdes Neuberg, Owner/Director GalleriE CHIZ 5831 Ellsworth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Tel: 412-441-6005 FAX: 412-661-5662 Internet: galchiz@hotmail.com |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Gallery Home|Current Exhibit|GalleriE Chiz Artists|Artists & Services|Future Exhibits|Ordering INFO|Gallery News |
|||||||||||||||||||||
