New Concept, New Statement

Shock & denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance; according to Dr. Kubler-Ross these are the five stages of grief. At one time or another we all experience grief and can feel each of these stages on some level. Using form, color & mark making, I seek to convey the emotions of each of these five stages through painting. I have chosen to work abstractly, as I think grief itself is an abstract idea. Like many artists before me, I begin with an automatist approach. Painting on wrinkled canvas I create forms that are unpredictable & random, and yet a solid foundation for the finished piece. Colors & forms are then enhanced or diminished to help convey the emotions of that particular stage. Throughout the process I am informed not only by my own experience, but also by other artists such as Lee Krasner, Jean-Paul Riopelle & Helen Frankenthaller.