August 8 – September 9, 2007

Annex
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer
Tory Cowles
Opening Reception: Friday, August 10, 2007 6 – 8:30pm

Artist Statement

I’m always exploring the question of what gives pleasure to the eye and mind while looking at a satisfying abstract painting.  While this pleasure will vary widely based on the interests and needs of the viewer, some of the issues that I like to explore are: the extent to which meditation is induced, the extent to which energy is engendered, and the extent to which unexpected juxtapositions and compositions stimulate a new appreciation and enjoyment of subtleties.  Ultimately I believe that the nature of pleasure in the process of painting and viewing is similar.

I try to paint what is most important and interesting to me.  It involves me at gut level; the only criteria for judging each step is simply my response to it.  I try to let surprises happen and take advantage of them. 

The most important conflicts that I work with are between spontaneity and discipline and between boldness and subtlety.  I like to be spontaneous and then go back with a critical eye, often repeating that cycle many times before I like the balance.  I try to combine strong colors and gestures with subtle textures and colors so that both are strong without detracting from each other.

 Transitions between shapes and colors are like spaces between stones in a stone wall.  These negative shapes, lines, or lack of them are as important as the shapes they connect.  They suggest how the shapes interrelate. These negative spaces may move into the forefront and become dominant, taking on a life of their own and giving the viewer a second or third picture which seems to overlay the first impression.

I paint fast, but I repaint the canvas many times.  I like the result of building up layers and I often use the previous painting(s) by leaving pieces of them or scratching through to them.   Painting energizes me. I hope it may do the same for those who view my work.

You may visit my website, www.ToryCowles.com, to see more of my work.