Two innovative artists are displaying their work in a collection, titled Walls & Cases: Charly Mithrush and Donna Stewart, at the 麻豆社国产Public Library鈥檚 Foyer Gallery until Oct. 3. 聽
Abstract fusion artist Charly Mithrush uses contrast between components to emphasize divergence in her curiosity peeking pieces that shroud images from plain view, enticing a search to find the tale.聽
In this latest series, stories thrive in combinations of found objects such as old books, photos or images and contrast them with the abstract, and in the juxtaposition of: old and new; soft and hard edges; and light with dark acrylics.
鈥淧resently I am using all I have learned to date and mixing it up. Taking a photo from my photo morgue or ephemera and transferring it on a textured surface I create from plaster, encaustic or gel medium鈥� using charcoal, oil sticks, resins. All in the mix, so to speak,鈥� Mithrush says of her art exploration. 鈥淚nspirations come from old peeling paint, aged patinas, beautiful colours of lichen on a tree or brick building. Architecture and鈥� other artists work.鈥澛�
Influenced by her commercial artist father/mentor, Mithrush developed an early passion for many art forms but feels that the past eight years have been the most experimental time in her evolving journey and the search to find her art voice.
In the studio, her active creative process starts with layering and the聽
application of textures or colours followed by a nurture period where Mithrush lets the painting sit for a time.聽
Then she turns it, studies it, and adds to it until she sees the direction it needs to take.聽
鈥淭his can flow quickly, or take days to come to fruition鈥 don鈥檛 really think about where I am heading.
鈥淚 try to be more in the moment of creating. I am not sure what medium will peek my curiosity next, or how far I can push the ones I am using now, so growth is ongoing,鈥� she says.
Use of cement, acid stains
Modern industrial artist Donna Stewart uses building finishes and construction materials to create complex concrete and surprising colourful abstract paintings. Given the properties of this more obscure medium, the palette is typically warm, earthy and comforting with fine texture begging for a closer look.
Not afraid of change, Stewart has been a creator for a long time but switched mediums from her early work in pottery and papermaking to painting, which she has been doing for about 15 years.聽
Stewart describes her artful progression: 鈥淚 started using acrylics originally and have recently 鈥� about three years ago 鈥� switched to cement and acid stains. Exploration is my key right now and with a new medium you have to go for it.鈥澛�
Her creative process starts with a loose guideline inspired by things that she sees all around: lines, colours and textures. Then she allows the painting to evolve and admits, 鈥淚f it changes direction so be it!鈥�
Artist reception
An artists鈥� reception is being held on Oct. 3 from聽6 to 8 p.m.
Toby Jaxon is curator of the Foyer Gallery
