P A T R I C K K E L L Y
A r t i s t ' s S t a t e m e n t
| This is a general artist statement that applies to my
recent paintings. In an attempt to first establish a relationship with
the canvas, I begin with a sweeping gestural mark, often a circle or an
X, hand done and loosely arrived at. From there I construct a more rigid
geometry that sets up a dialectical tension or opposition between two
interacting forces or elements. Alternating between strict geometric and
more loosely arrived at gestural forms, I try bringing them to a
compatible relationship, bringing two acts together, that were
previously hostile or indifferent to one another. Each tends to be a
separate unit or diverse fragment of experience dependant upon or
subordinate to the other. Thus, the painting becomes an investigation of
process and image-making, a process of change in which a concept or its
realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its
opposite. These two events become harmoniously confused and result in
order and variety. All things differ, yet all agree.
I like to think of my paintings as a place to go, comparable to entering a landscape, where you seek out order and variety. A place that can be both mystical and physical. A place that is rich with contrast in both color and form. I want the paintings ultimately to be beautiful both conceptually and physically. |