[terry.lee.crump]

Please make comments on my first go at an artist statement. My work can be seen in my profile/gallery. Thanks

Artist Statement

I paint the way I do because it gives me great joy. I revel in breaking the rules of conventional composition, giving negative space a place of importance, and hanging abstract art elements on, often incongruous, subjects. I love the development of visual chaos running rampant on the canvas. I love even more the exhaustive task of bringing all the painting’s components under control for a satisfactory result – the only thing that counts in art. There is no other way for me to paint.

Each painting presents its own unique challenges. Most often I forge ahead with only a flash of an idea or a snippet from life and slowly build the painting by working over the whole surface of the canvas. I continually add subjects, lines, shapes and color unconcerned with illusory representation.

Sometimes a fortuitous narrative creeps into play. Sometimes the only evident story is the process itself. Through it all, I have newfound freedoms and a heightened confidence to follow my creative instincts. My goal is to entice the viewer to find joy in my work and to take a second look, to find something interesting and unexpected, maybe a shred of meaning.

I have many art heroes. Those most influential to my current efforts are Gauguin, for his color sense, Matisse for color and composition, and contemporary Spanish artist, Jose Merello for his unabashed powerful expressionist work. I think there is room to develop some unique and creative expressions upon their shoulders.

 

[terry.lee.crump]

Thanks Lily for your comments and suggestions. I will try to work them into my statement.