Cutting Space and Big gems - 2015-2016
Gems III is the story of opposing elements. For a long time, in my mind, I had images of gems, with stained glass panels. For a long time I put off painting them till I could associate a relevance beyond the decorative. Inspired by images of the raw and rough Utah landscape, infused with intangible powder blue to purple skies, I began to paint to mesh unpretentious, ancient nature with a contemporary presence.
The Gems float in space. Panels seemingly protrude from the wall. Others recede into it, hinting at internal space. Contradictory color palettes are juxtaposed. Saturated, contemporary colors induce a playful, airy, optimistic anticipation. Natural, subdued colors portray a centered, calm feeling.