Artist's Statement
2011 has seen many changes in the evolution of my work in both abstract and image based pieces.
In my abstract work, I have long been moving more into almost a fantasy inspired landscape of sorts... producing pieces that look, and more importantly, feel like a safe and quiet place to go. I feel the new abstracts have a strong connection to the prairies, ultimately inspired by the world in which I've grown up.
I never set out to make my abstract pieces resemble landscapes, however, although I believe I have been trying to capture something that looks foreign yet still feels close to home and the heart and, certainly the places that are close to home and heart are going to have the most impact.
Still, other abstracts have been described by some as "guttural"... as I try to reach past the things that I know.
In my image based work, such as the Jazz series and Treescapes, I attempt to paint images that make the viewer feel a part of what they are viewing. In images, as well as abstract, I prefer to keep the image close and intimate… more of a "slice of life". It may be a simple player in close up as opposed to a whole band or a few trees as opposed to a whole forest. A mood and feel of being part of it without the remoteness and disconnectedness of viewing a "scene".
I'm continually asked why I have so many series ranging from abstract to landscape...and which of those are my "favorite". I feel they all represent different parts of me. They are painted in a similar manner using similar techniques ... so, in that respect I feel there is continuity. But also continuity in choosing things that move me inside in different ways. As there are many aspects to me, I feel there are many aspects I want to explore in my work.
Overall, I still work and continue to be influenced by my other interests; cycling,yoga, eastern arts, philosophy, and jazz music. I feel I am exploring at an even deeper level, the yogic "OM" vibrations of energy through all things. My mission is still to capture the resonance of these things and the energy within and show it through the manipulation of my colour choices, composition, and textures.
I continue also to rework, recycle or remove pieces that are no longer reflective of where I am currently.
I tend not to remain too attached to my creations, as I understand their purpose as a "snapshot" of where I am at the moment... And that too will continue to change.
Lawrence Rich
