The Eyes Have It

by Barbara Martin

“Over the years I have careened through abstract expressionism, minimalism, and a variety of techniques while striving for technical improvement. Yet, what is expressed through my paintings may not be entirely clear even to me. If I had precise words, I would write. Instead, I paint following a liminal path of discovery - wherever it may lead - through the wonder and the mystery. You are invited to join me there. I believe art is a grand adventure, an exploration into the great unknown: seen or unseen, felt or sensed, dreamed or real. When I paint, I am immersed in the energy and sensations of the process. I begin with a ritual rather than a plan, then with a deep breath I engage the blank canvas. From that first sloppy smear of color or quivering scribble, each piece develops into a pulsating conversation, a give and take between the materials and my hands, guided by intuition. When my focus dims, it's time to question the sum of the parts, to examine the form and line and color and contrast seeking a balanced and organic whole and continuing the quest for resolution. You will notice the history of moves concealed and revealed within each piece: shimmers and shadows of previous layers, soft and hard edges, pivots and u-turns in the trajectory of the work until finally, hours, days, or weeks later, it is complete. And in that wonderful Eureka moment, with a rush of energy and relief, the title reveals itself. So that's what it is! In Other Words still exploring ... feeling the way ... still lost painter working in acrylic known for ongoing SuperPly Series of surreal black and white figures on plywood, and for mysteriously sensual casualist abstract works in full color themes: energy of the felt vs the seen, seeking a sense of place and a way to fit in, if I could write it I would do that but instead I must paint allowing intuition, ritual and process to define the outcome influences: unmoored life moving between continents and states often off balance/on the left foot, paying close attention yet not understanding. Special affinity for small children, plants, animals, moving water and wide open sky achievements: work presented in shows with numerous honors nationwide, invited to artist residencies coast to coast, appeared widely in USA arts and literary journals as well as Dublin and Paris, author illustrated compendium of paintings SuperPly and Friends. hopes and dreams: unknown and unknowable but living for the Eureka moment marking the completion of each piece motto: keep learning or die corollary: find a better way”