Collage that entrances........

Three collage artists who capture my fancy are Moira Fain, Elena Mary Siff and Laura Slapikoff. Each of these women, using texture and composite figures to tell their story, have a unique style and message. Some deal with redemption, some with personal history, and some with the complex world of being a woman. Their works range from very small to quite large, but each one packs a powerful punch, and are strong examples of each woman's work. All are shown in galleries from California to Martha's Vineyard and if you get a chance to see these works in person, be sure to go! I once read that true collage had to be made up of both figures and text.....hmmmm, rules and more rules! What do you think?

Art and Trauma

Early trauma produces a distinct vocabulary in artists who choose, or are driven, to revisit old wounds. We all have an inner voice that counsels us day and night. When trauma occurs, especially at an early age, that voice goes silent. No words exist that can adequately describe the horror of the event. In place of this inner voice there is now a living, palpable void, which can forever shape the tenor of a person's life. Dr. Leonard Shengold called this type of early trauma "Soul Murder" in his book by the same name.
If the survivor turns to art for expression, this void can show itself in various ways. Holes might be punched through a painting or a drawing. A negative space is sometimes incorporated into a piece of sculpture. In powerful self-portraits created by an artist who was traumatized as a child, dark circles in thick oil paint are explained as "stomach aches". These circles unconsciously represent the void created by the silence of the inner voice. One can also find dramatic pauses in music or cadence changes in poetry composed by trauma survivors.. (Credit to Drs. Dori Laub and Gilbert Rose)
When such a person turns to art, there is a chance that the emotions surrounding the trauma will be revisited, possibly for the first time since the trauma itself. These emotions might not be readily apparent to the artist, but their emergence in the art will allow for an opportunity for these feelings to be witnessed and acknowledged. Healing can begin on levels that might still be subliminal, but the process can begin. Art therapy does not necessarily require a classroom.

Exceptional Italian Artist........

Once in a while I get to see a new oil on canvas by Italian artist Guido Vedovato. His work is charming, lyrical and beautifully painted. A master with color, form and content, each piece stands out as fresh and original. His style is always recognizable, a true test for a fine artist, even a self-taught fine artist! Bravo!

Jesse Reno......

An amazing canvas by Jesse Reno, entitled  "Feral Boy", illustrates the struggle between this almost blind self-taught artist, who wants to paint his own reality, and a greedy collector (depicted with the crown) who tries to dictate output and control the market. This is not an uncommon dilemma, and it takes a very strong artist to resist. Here Jesse portrays his internal strength and resolve with a beautifully crafted bull.  The colors are soft and painterly, but the emotion is strong.

Paul Pitt, self-taught painter......

Paul Pitt's work harkens back to a simpler time, filled with a strong sense of community and extended family. Even if we have never personally experienced his subject matter, it rings a responsive chord. His paintings are meticulously repainted up to six times before Paul is willing to pronounce each piece done. Within each large scene, there are many small stories unfolding, each with their own considerable charm and humor. And, as always, you will find his surprise signature........two small boys running.......one black, one white, taking turns wearing the ever present red scarf. The Hampton Museum acquired an example of his work in 2001, and recently his "Summer Wedding" was shown at the opening of the Baron and Ellin Gordon Galleries at Old Dominion University in Virginia. He work has been published in Raw Vision magazine, Folk Art Magazine, and Craft Digest, to name a few. I'm delighted to have several of his works available at www.artbrut.com