Artist's Statement
Over the last 15 years, my paintings have evolved into what I call maximalist color statements, as compared to my minimalist color statements of the past. Color is still one of the most important elements of my paintings, perhaps the most important element, but my approach has changed. I am now fascinated with juxtapositions of color and pattern. The textures that used to lie just below the painting surface, barely visible, are now on the painting surface, very visible. My interest in abstraction has taken me into the realm of ornamentation and the decorative. I sometimes combine my patterns with my renewed interest in representation, painting simple objects of fascination to me. My references are multi-cultural, art historical and everyday. I mix and match freely, being inspired by everything; a pattern on a plate at Pearl River, a painting at the Met, the canopy of leaves on a summer’s night in Bryant Park, a color photograph of a Chinese shoe vendor in The New York Times. As a painter, I’m always striving to make something beautiful.
Sara Sosnowy
5/31/2010