April 7th to 21st 2016

Artist Statement by Deborah Worsfold

The small interiors were created in response to the gray weather we experience in February, my birth month. I thought perhaps some experiment with gray may help me see the gloom in a different way.  All the grays are mixed without the use of black. A richer, less predictable palette ensues and the effect of the camera or photograph is removed quite nicely. I left white space coming from the paper to assist with more light in the work and engage the viewer. This occurs in my work consistently now but in this case I made the white space more structured. It still amazes me how the white space glows out of the surface of paint. Eventually I forgot about the gray and sought colour.

The large interiors accommodate my desire to create space and the colour or light in a space. The colours affect each other in such a way that one is convinced that an atmosphere protrudes from the surface of the painting. In fact it does. You can stick your hand into it or perhaps take a seat. From afar the space operates as a window into another room but without a major renovation. They are very large drawings and the perspective requires a bit of a spin so you feel the depth rather than view it as strictly a formal perspective drawing lesson.

The stills on paper are from an ongoing body of work numbering over 60. I first started painting still life because it was alive and would sit still for me and I could study colour in space and translate it. I believe this practise contributed greatly to sharpening my eye and encouraged me to take licence which essentially leads to what is known as style. I resent the concept of style. It’s a goofy idea. I agree with what Picasso said. There is no development or progress…I just paint what I paint that day. The beauty of this practise then demonstrates my skills, mood and talent…at least I would like to think so. It can be very enjoyable to look at many…they are like hockey cards…which is your favourite. Go online and see.

The still life on canvas supports my interest in pattern and I find painting them a wonderful meditation. Often they can be quite the puzzle to solve as working with things that die and space that must be renovated it requires some thought to make them convincing even though they are so not real. They allow me to express my optimism and preference for joy and thought. Sometimes if someone gave me the flowers it comes through and adds further richness.

Whether its inside my home or inside me…it all comes out in paint. I guess painting inside makes it so that the size of space I live in has no boundaries. It is unlimited potential. I do not fear being without a muse or wish for another space. I enjoy right where I am and I revel in it. This quality, this presence is often captured in my work as a result. DW