GROUP EXHIBIT. SURFACE GALLERY. FEBRUARY 2024

For this exhibit, I studied and created work inspired by the painter Grace Hartigan (1922-2008). Grace was quoted as saying, “…we must reach somehow into the complete unknown” and paint from “blind, inspired feeling” to get beyond superficial visual appeal. She didn’t want her work to be sentimental or too cozy—she wanted something in her work to put you off. Her abstract work contained strong shapes and bold color, and of the five women we’re inspired by in this exhibit, I resonated most with her style. The challenge was to create works in our own voice with inspiration from the work of our chosen painter. As I channeled Grace’s boldness, I feel like I’ve learned valuable lessons I’ll carry with me in my future work.