Statement
Discovering abstraction in art and falling in love with Matisse, both at around age twelve, became the foundation of my art. They were also liberating. Matisse’s patterns, colors and stylistic changes throughout his career, such as Fauvism and cut-outs, affected my sensibility, made me see possibilities and aesthetic choices in a way that guided me in the process that made and makes my paintings uniquely my own. Through this endless exploration I have organized form and color in different ways, sometimes within more geometric structures and sometimes more organically. I came to see the joy of color as the strongest element or reason for painting; the joy of mixing new colors, of nuances, overlays, of lines buried deep within, of connotations and subtleties and of seeing how colors interact. The harder questions have been how to best contain these explorations, and knowing when to stop.
Similarly Richard Diebenkorn’s work became increasingly important throughout the years. Diebenkorn tends toward more subtlety in color than Matisse, and instead of patterns the Ocean Park paintings, in particular, are carefully and geometrically structured. The beautiful and subtle overlays of color are a daily inspiration.
My work builds upon itself as opposed to being premeditated. Each day brings a slightly different viewpoint and adjustments to the problems I have created.
This past year, I worked with musician and composer Doug Lofstrom on video collaborations. It’s a back and forth process selecting music and art. Doug and his group, the New Quartet, played a piece in concert with images of my work appearing behind them. I now think of jazz, with its riffs and improvisations, as a way of describing my process.
What has been clear to me over the decades is that there is a consistency of influences and styles, with explorations in color as the driving force.
Biographical note and resume
Thinking of myself as an artist was a process that started in grade school and solidified in high school, when the Art Institute became my second home. While attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I spent time in the museum every day, repeatedly visiting favorite galleries. At that time, Artemisia Gallery was a wonderful women's cooperative on Hubbard Street, along with ARC Gallery, NAME and Chicago Filmmakers. During that era II was a member of Artemisia and began showing my work there and elsewhere, including at the Chicago Cultural Center.
In 1988, I began working as a rehabilitation/vocational counselor. In 1989 and 1990 my sons were born. These two lifestyle changes consumed most of my time. I continued to paint or draw when I could. About ten years ago, due to a job change, there was suddenly a window of time when I could paint nearly everyday.
Upon reflection, I feel like I am experiencing a third act in my life The first act was as a young artist exploring the art world as well as my direction in painting. The second was a kind of break, with a variety of new experiences. Now my outlook is very different. Time does not appear to be infinite, and experience has brought greater focus, gratitude and different priorities.
Education
University of Illinois, Chicago, MFA, 1978
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, BFA, 1975
Teaching and Social Service Experience
Keshet, Vocational Counselor, 2010-2013
Jewish Vocational Service, Rehabilitation Counselor, 1988-2009
Oakton Community College, Instructor; humanities, drawing and design, 1982-1984
University of Illinois, Chicago, Adjunct Assistant Professor, painting, 1979, Teaching Assistant, drawing, 1978.
Mineral and Chemical Corporation, “Art in the Workplace,” Guest Lecturer, 1983
Art Encounter, Instructor; painting and art appreciation, 1980
Knox College, Guest Lecturer, 1979
Related Activities
Video collaboration with composer Doug Lofstrom, 2017. Live performances with video by
Doug Lofstrom and the New Quartet, Ice House Gallery, Evanston and Elastic Arts, Chicago, 2018
Member, Artemisia Gallery, 1980-1983
Solo Exhibitions*
Artemisia Gallery,1981, 1982, 1983, 1985
Chicago Cultural Center, 1983
Chicago State University, 1980
Contemporary Art Workshop. 1979
Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, 1979
Columbia College Dance Center, 1979
Group Exhibitions*
Evanston Art Center Biennale, 2018
Wustum Museum, Racine Wisconsin, 1983
Gilman Gallery, 1983
Chicago State Gallery, 1983
Renaissance Society, 1982
Illinois State Museum, “31st Illinois Invitational,” Springfield Illinois, 1979
Prairie State College, “Women's’ Invitational,” 1979
Contemporary Art Workshop, 1978, 1979
Illinois State University, “Illinois Artists: A Drawing Invitational,” Bloomington Illinois,1978
Art Institute of Chicago, Art Rental and Sales Gallery, 1978, 1979
University of Illinois, Chicago, Graduate show 1978, MFA show 1978, Women's’ Day Exhibition, 1977
Catalogues and Reviews
Chicago Sun-Times, April 12, 1981, David Elliot
Chicago Sun-Times, January 5, 1979, Harold Haydon
New Art Examiner, summer issues, 1981 and 1983
New Art Examiner, February 1979
“Illinois Artists: A Drawing Invitational,” catalogue
“31st Illinois Invitational catalogue
Purchase Awards
Illinois State Museum
Illinois State University
Prairie State College
*All exhibitions in Chicago, unless otherwise noted