Bits and Pieces Mandala no.28
Laura Gurton
Artist Statement
Resume
The paintings from my Unknown Species Series consist of concentric circular lines and colors that mimic pieces of agate, rings inside of trees, mold, other patterns in nature and most importantly microscopic cells.
My way of applying paint remains constant from painting to painting, and yet, as in nature, great variety is found in the over all work. This variety can be seen in the choice of colors, the relative density of my signature circular forms in different areas of the compositions, and the overall flow of imagery; some paintings seeming tranquil, others highly energized. There are paintings with compositions that are reminiscent of landscapes, reinforcing the theme of nature and the world in which we live.
I see the shapes with their concentric circles as a representative for time itself, displaying their growth like the rings in a tree which come with age as well as seeing the rings of paint in the order I put them down in my studio. The variations of the size of my circles emphasize the growth of these shapes and of all living organisms.
My digital art, the Bits and Pieces Series, developed directly from photographic images of my paintings. I became intrigued with the complex patterns that developed by manipulating the image as well as appreciating being able to see how the same image looks in a variety of color combinations.
I am always surprised and delighted seeing what one of my paintings looks like completely symmetrical. I realized that with the technique I use to paint, it is impossible to create an exact symmetrical composition without the computer. The symmetry of nature is now part of my work: lace,flowers, plants, inside of fruit, snowflakes and even the microscopic world is full of symmetry and incredible detailed patterns. I also found that changing the shape of the rectangle or square canvas on which I had painted gives me the ability to see them in a fresh way as circles and ovals.
The new compositions I create digitally become prints. Sometimes I paint on top of the printed digital work on paper with a variety of mixed media, colored pencils, acrylic gouache, and ink. I sometimes add Swarovski crystals, sequins, and beads creating new one of a kind works of art.
I have also become enamored with using both the photographs of the original paintings and with the digital creations made from them to create videos of my unknown species actually moving. In the past year I have been posting these motion designs to my Instagram account, but soon will be showing them in galleries along with the paintings and mixed media pieces.
The cellular shapes in all my paintings, digital art and videos, echoing naturally occurring shapes, provide the rhythms of life and existence. Ultimately I strive for my work to be an expressive representation of nature’s beauty in its primary elements.