Leonardo da Vinci wrote that “nature is the source of all true knowledge.” While this is true, it is also sometimes a source of magic and mystery. Join us for Natural Wonders, on view at the Kittery Art Association from November 2nd through November 26th.
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 5th from 5pm - 7pm
Art Intake for KAA Members: Monday, October 30th from 2 - 6 pm
Also on View: Works by Spotlight Artist Joyce Amend
Joyce Amend, BS, MA, CZT, York, ME lives on the beautiful Seacoast of Maine. She earned her BS degree at Cabrini University, PA; then studied art at Wesleyan University, CT, earning her MA degree in Visual Art. Before relocating to York, ME, she taught art in Connecticut schools and was the recipient of various grants awarded by the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, The State of Connecticut and the Hartford Education Foundation. More recently, Amend was awarded a grant by the Maine Arts Commission that focused on her work with acrylic fluid art.
Amend enjoys painting in acrylic, watercolor and oil, is a Certified Zentangle Art Teacher, and teaches workshops in Mandala Dot Painting, Abstract Watercolor, Acrylic Fluid Art Painting and Zentangle Meditative Drawing at various recreational, community and health groups throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Seacoast.
Artist Statement: In my everyday life, I am a planner and an organizer. By that I mean, I like to have all my ducks in a row, whether planning a vacation, scheduling daily tasks, organizing a class I’m teaching or coordinating family events. When it comes to creative artmaking, much of that organization goes out the window! Spontaneity enters my world in a wondrous way. But this has happened only since I embraced the world of abstract art.
Early on, my artwork focused on oil paintings that were detailed and quite realistic. My favorite theme then was re-creating beautiful snowcapped mountain ranges on canvas. Occasionally, I still find myself drawn to digging into my oils to paint those majestic forms of nature. I find this calming and exciting.
However, once I discovered Fluid Acrylic Painting, I was hooked! There is something magical about free-flowing, intuitive compositions that spontaneously evolve into beautiful abstract artworks. The unexpected merging of colors, and the compositional surprises are so exciting, where pigments dance across the canvas…somewhat controlled, but willfully intent as to where they want to go. And so, where artmaking is concerned, the organizational component of my being was set free!
When creating an abstract fluid artwork, I begin with a specific compatible color palette, fusing it as liquified colors. Using any of a variety of systematic methods, such as gravity, motion, and air, an explosion of colors results! I then manipulate the pigments until a pleasing and exciting composition appears, focusing on movement and design. Oftentimes hidden images appear; yet other times, the finished piece may bring about an emotion. Some of my artwork is layered with a glass-like resin that enhances and defines the overall beauty of the piece.
Living on the Maine Seacoast, it is easy to find creative inspiration when surrounded by the beauty and colors that nature provides for this region.