ARTIST STATEMENT

CHRISTIE CHEW-WALLACE

“The only sensible way to regard the art life is that it is a privilege you are willing to pay for.”
--Robert Henri

I work toward creating a strong, dynamic image. I do so instinctively, and even when attempting “delicate”, the finished artwork results in a strong, “in your face,” work of art. Creating a work of art is a selfish endeavor for me because producing art satisfies my urge to create. Imaginary thought comes easily to me; a blank canvas holds no anxiety or mystery. However, there is always a point during the painting process when deciding “what next?” gets a little tougher, but I like a challenge.
Because so many subjects, styles, and mediums interest me it was tough to choose, but in the interest of becoming a mature, understandable artist I chose to focus on abstracts in oils. I also use acrylics, but oils are my first choice. Oil paint can be placed on the canvas very thick without worries of cracking or adhering problems, it easily covers all surfaces and the undercoat leaves a great texture to work on. It is a tough paint, and I like to paint tough. Scratching through the surface, covering other surfaces, uncovering them with a knife or other object, painting white over black, and no problem. Redoing a portion, no problem. I can work freely and furiously without worries.
In my early years I painted sunsets, landscapes, green fields, flowers, then moved to the figure. I love the figure! I worked in photography then sculpture; even dabbling in 3D wall sculpture. I went back to oils, my first love, and tackled the almighty abstract. When I first started experimenting with big canvases working freely with just color and space, I was lost. Instead of looking to an accomplished artist for guidance, I stumbled over myself, but by working through many canvases and experiencing many failures (which are underneath some of my current successes) I have moved, gracelessly, towards my current popular series--geometric shapes featuring the beauty of color.
This latest series of geometric paintings keep my wheels turning non-stop. I start a piece with a partial vision or main element but nothing specific beyond that. I prefer to work intuitively, not always certain what the message or end result will be. As I paint, I apply layer upon layer of oils, sometimes obliterating an entire section, with a result that is far more satisfying than the original vision. I enjoy working with the different shapes--rectangles, circles and squares that together are fraught with tension and agitation creating incredible excitement. Yet the constant of the shapes allows for extensive color choices. Each outcome has a powerful impact.
Using oil paint, applied with a knife or brush, I rarely measure, just adding shapes as I go. Of course I am occasionally forced to get out the big T-square.
I work on several different pieces at the same time, while avoiding monotony, this keeps the evolution of this series cohesive.
I have been compared to several different artists, Chuck Close, Kandinsky and Klee, and they are all probably my inspiration. My past work also inspires me. I take on each challenge at my own pace, in my own way, stubbornly insisting that each new body of work I create is the best out there, eventually realizing that there is room for me to grow.
I paint instinctively, reluctantly producing work that mirrors my inner struggles, emotions displayed prominently in every brush stroke. My images reveal what is inside.



“It seems to me that before a man tries to express anything to the world he must recognize in himself an individual, a new one, very distinct from others.”
--Robert Henri