I
have been painting since I was 10 years old. I feel at times that
I was self taught, although my formal education in art began in
1968, and for the next twelve years under the guidance of two renowned
Hungarian artists, Herman Heimlich and Leslie Schalk. Truly my greatest
influence is Marilyn Rubinstein at the Saidye Bronfman Center for
the Arts, School of Fine Arts in Montreal, Canada. I have had the
privilege of participating in group exhibitions there, and as well,
exhibited at the Galerie Klimintaris, also in Montreal.
My inspiration is not one artist in particular, it is a compilation
of many. My greatest inspiration is probably the human figure itself,
and human nature, together they pose some of the most interesting
subjects to create.
My work tends to be free and painterly with contrasts of colour.
Most of my figures are female, because I feel the woman's body is
the most beautiful, but also stands as a personal statement for
myself.
I feel that I have not said everything I have to say with my work
yet, and more soul searching and emotion is yet to be seen in my
work. I have a thousand paintings in my head, but I can only do
one at a time!
For me, painting should have an intimacy, a mysteriousness, a sensuality.
At its best, my work also has an edge; something in it that takes
a moment, a second look, an effort to comprehend. As with all art,
what you pull from my paintings depends on your own experiences
- but what a wonderful opportunity to explore emotions in the sometimes
bold and sometimes subtle colours.
One must be aware
and have the ability to understand the reality, for without that
knowledge, one can never successfully, truly bring it to partial
or total abstraction. Illustrated here is a study of mine done in
1980 of one of the Great Masters, Rembrandt, entitled "Man
With Helmet"
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Meandering back and forth from reality to abstract keeps me in
perspective, a reminder that there is a reason somewhere in my
mind, whether just a line or a shape for the creation of this
finished painted canvas.
Painting helps keep me grounded. It enables me to refocus and
adjust my perspective towards life's ups and downs. I love the
use of bright and happy colours. I like to surround myself with
happiness, happy people, and positive happenings. Often times,
we take life too seriously, we forget how to enjoy! Challenging
my greatest fears enabled me the liberty of living and loving
life. The unknown can be our worst enemy or can be our most exciting,
wonderful friend.
It's all a matter of how you allow yourself to perceive. I now
am more cognisant that the glass is half full!
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