Painting
In my paintings, drafted contours and patterns of mark-making are my platform for color contrasts. The color choices play with the forward and back of spatial illusion, denying expectations of figure and ground. Art critic Cate McQuaid wrote about my show called “Earthbound” in the Boston Globe, in 2006. She pointed out that my work is “realism, overlayed with abstraction, overlayed with surrealism”. This is still an apt description for many of my paintings. I add light, shadows, pencil line overlays to create an exaggerated realism.
Drawing
As a courtroom artist for TV news, I developed my interest in drawing as documenting events or people. This influenced the large ink stamped installations for World Aids Day works at the Museum of Fine Arts. The piece called "Jeffrey" and many of my memorial works have been informed by newspaper photos. My World Trade Center pencil drawing is owned by the archive of the Library of Congress.
Color
As colorist for the late architect, Michael Graves I developed my sensibility for color and pattern. The projects that I worked on include silkscreened patterned wall coverings for Disney’s Dolphin and Swan Hotels and carpet patterns and colors for the Denver Public Library as well as numerous interior spaces.
Current work
Besides my art practice, I am an adjunct Professor at Wentworth Institute. I teach drawing and color in the School of Architecture and Design.
Distinctions
Notre Dame University Journal, Virtues and Vocations 2023 Witness and Response/ Meryl Blinder, Library of Congress, Digital Collection
Fidelity Investments, corporate collection
Ready to Engage (art about conflict) 2007, Art Matters periodical
Color as Light, Saturday gallery talks, Boston Museum of Fine Arts 2003
Related Employment
Adjunct professor, School of Architecture & Design, Wentworth Institute, Boston
1999-present. Classes include; color theory, drawing, 2D & 3D design
Colorist, Michael Graves Architect, Princeton, NJ 1987-1997
Courtroom sketch artist, freelance, clients include: WGBH-TV, New Haven, CT, WABC-TV, NY
Reviews
Boston Globe; Power from the People, Cate McQuaid 11/23/06
Boston Globe; From a Dizzying Array of Color and Wildlife, Cate McQuaid 9/12/03
Boston Globe; Nervous Energy, Cate McQuaid 8/30/02
Boston Globe; Winners in BCA Exhibit Draw…..Christine Temin 5/24/00
Boston Globe; Art Photos of Objects (section), Cate McQuaid 4/20/00
Boston Sunday Herald, Visual Arts, by Mary Sherman, 3/19/00