“Right Brain, Left Brain 1” is my second painting on canvas (30×30”, acrylic) and one of my favorites. I enjoy using geometric shapes and crisp lines (left brain dominate according to the old theory) together with organic shapes and uneven lines (right brain).
This painting began as a surface to clean brushes and use up odd bits of mixed colors. I decided to develop the random shapes and colors, and to contrast that with a large flat geometric area, which led me to try visually disorienting the shape of the canvas – something that had been on my mind but not attempted at that point.
”Right Brain, Left Brain 1” still makes me smile, partially because of the satisfaction of solving the problem and mostly because it looks to me like something happy and frisky is escaping into the world.
I’ve always had a strong interest in art, especially in color interaction and also a strong parallel interest in science. I entered collage at age 27 as a parent and completed a BFA in studio art - fibers, with a second major in science.
I had arranged to enter an apprentice situation at the Museum of Art in Indianapolis but had to move to Arizona before I could do it. I landed in the fibers department because the instructor was recommended as the most knowledgeable about color.
I let life derail consistent art making, even though I felt I was meant to do it. Fast forward thirty years - I had envisioned sitting in my comfy chair half-watching old movies or listening to music and doing wild embroideries. But i found I couldn’t see to do fine work and couldn’t hold a needle anymore, and I realized I knew nothing about composition so I looked for composition classes with the option of big tools and big shapes. I was fortunate to find Jay Zerbe’s abstract art class and it was perfect for me. I had never really painted before and knew very little about abstract art except that I was often drawn to it. Jay has pushed, prodded, stepped back, and shared his knowledge; I know I’ve tried his patience. He is a very generous instructor.
I’ve been retired for several years so now I have the peace, time and space to do work I love and paint. I’m a late bloomer - better late than never!