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TSU Library Art Gallery
Presents Art by
Mary Elizabeth Townsel
Artist Statement
“It was as if I was mending
things, making something different out of the peaces.”
This exhibit is part of some process for me. It contains an oil painting
from 1997, relief pieces from 2003, and three new peaces for 2007.
These relief type pieces were inspired by some work by Julian Schnabel.
He is a contemporary painter who after a trip to Spain began using
objects such as dishes, marbles, animal horns, sand, etc. in his work.
I guess I was coming out of a period of angry emotion when the
inspiration of Schnabel’s work flooded into my mind after I stumbled
upon a box of dishes in a thrift store.
I used the dishes as a metaphor for tradition and old ideas; and I had a
great time smashing them.
In arranging the designs, I just allowed Psyche to take over and let
what ever would happen, happen. These relief type paintings are the
result. Excepting for a few commissions, I didn’t paint anything for
four years. I just didn’t want to.
If Loretta Divens had not asked me to do this show, I probably would not
have begun to paint again for another year. So I completed Man, Women,
and Stars, which after starting, I just stopped working on until now,
and the two paintings, Red Cloud, and Butterfly painted this year, 2007.
During the time I did not paint, I was and still am studying Numerology
and I love it as well as painting. It seems that Wings are also a
fascination of mine and are showing up in my work now.
I know that my work has always been about transitions but could the
wings mean I’m free? ------------Remember what Oprah says, “If you were
born without wings, do nothing to prevent their growth.” I Love that.
Maybe I’m growing my wings.
Ancestral Wedding |
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