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artist statement
I feel my role as an artist is to be a conduit for raw material from the universal fountain of creativity. Through my experiences and vision I filter this raw material into something unique and singular. I am not interested in reproducing a copy of what I see. Through my art I strive to impose my individuality onto what is shared by us all.
I prefer to work on a series of similar pieces for one or more years. As a series progresses, I try different techniques and materials but strive to keep the imagery consistent. When I have enough pieces to show as a group, I start considering an exhibition of the series. But inevitably it seems, I will be drawn to a new idea for another series and move on.
Even though my imagery, technique or material changes, my method of expression is consistent throughout all my work. I strive to relinquish as much control over my strokes as I can without losing hold of the brush. I focus on staying out of visual focus in the area I am working on. I allow the piece to speak to me about what it needs during its development. I have found that the less control I impose, the more effortless art becomes and the greater my happiness will be with the piece on its completion.
Since 2007, I've been working on a series of paintings called "Elaborate Doodles." This is a return to and extension of the work I was doing in the late 1980's and early 1990's involving an automatic drawing process that is then articulated with details and patterns. Because I am not restricting my content to a pre-conceived composition, this type of work allows me unfettered access to my unconscious, providing a more direct path to my vision as an artist.
Shortly after the COVID pandemic, I began to transition back to representational art again. Not wanting to abandon my abstract process, I have been melding recognizable imagery with my “elaborate doodles.” I decided to use cats as the imagery for these melded pieces, presenting a narrative of interactions between the kitties in my family. Upon viewing the initial completed works exhibited together and hearing the responses that audience members shared with me, I discovered that these paintings are more than just the story of these two cats. What my work hits on is how closely the emotions and behaviors of cats relate to those of humans – the paintings acting as illustrations of the interconnectedness of all Earthlings. I hope my work serves as a reminder of these connections and the importance of preserving all forms of life on our planet.
All artwork and text on this web site are Copyright of Dana Frostick except where noted
Contact Dana by email at: dfrostick@gmail.com
