Artist's Statement
2009 has seen many changes in the evolution of my work in both abstract and image based pieces.
In my abstract work, I have 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 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.
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".
Overall, I still work and continue to be influenced by my participation in 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
