Drawing the Line

A line is one of the most powerful tools in painting. It forms a division, between ... choices... and there is no middle ground. It is like the line drawn in the sand that indicates: "who ever is without sin may cast the first stone." What stones are we casting these days? Perhaps we should cast colours instead: Red for wine, white for veils, blue for water, purple for a royal cloak, yellow for joy and green for life. There is always a choice to be made and in painting the artist has the opportunity to safely practice this gift. Not only to draw the line but make continual efforts beyond it. Perhaps it is to make a statement: about themselves, a subject or their experience. Perhaps there is no message. However there is always a comment that is received by the viewer, even if it is to disregard it. None the less, I feel it to be a conversation though words may not be exchanged. Art is more than a message. It is the choice the artist acted on, and to me that is something courageous and admirable. The "No Message" show at the Baron Gallery with abstract expressionism made me realize the power of line even if it was defined by a colour field. Here is Enda Bardell and her paintings at the show. All the art had a message for me, but then I like lines. How about you? The Baron Gallery Show in Vancouver runs till mid July and Enda is Talking this Saturday there. Jane Continue Reading…

Posted by Jane Appleby on May 23, 2012