I have long been interested in finding, capturing, then releasing the abstract in the abstraction.   Or the abstraction in the abstract.    My art practice is an intuitive response to an observation, thought, sound or narrative.   It is within this process of witnessing, studying and examining the tiniest of detail, that put pieces of abstraction together which then becomes a whole.   I search for the invisible in the visible, the extortionary within the ordinary, the pieces of fragments that remain in a state of flux.  This process applies to my curating, writing, painting, drawing and mix media work.   Some would say, even in my everyday conversations.  

In some artistic circles Abstraction is generally pushed aside, unfairly criticized and generally denigrated.   Why?  Ignorance perhaps.   Lack of exposure, education, dialogue?  But Abstraction is fascinating.   It is the emotional response that leads to the reaction, the conversation with yourself, thus your inner voice.   

My awareness and venture into Abstraction comes from years of cultural curiosity, dialogue, literature, travel and education.   I am informed by a host of painters such as Hans Hofmann, Cecily Brown, Joan Mitchell, Richard Diebenkorn, Gordon Smith, William de Kooning, Gerhard Richter, Agnes Marting, Hilma af Klint and many, many others.  I look to Joseph Albers and Mark Rothko for colour.   

The notion of abstraction and colour saturation on stretched canvas, wooden panels, paper of metal began in the early 20th century following the division between the French academy and the renegade painters who challenged the rules of the Academy and exhibited in Salon des Resfuses in 1863, led by Manet with his painting Olympia. 

And from this dividing line, Abstract art emerged through different movements, beginning with Impressionism followed by Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism and German Expression.   The Russian painter, Vassily Kandinsky, first considered the Father of Abstract painting has now been upended by an obscure, Swedish artist, Hilma af Klint.  

Abstract art is an important genre in painting today.   Abstract images do not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality.   Rather Abstraction applies shape, colour, line, form and gestural marks on surfaces and pushes for contradictions and parallels between control and spontaneity.   These intersections translate into powerful images.  

Contrary to popular thinking, Abstraction can be a difficult concept to fully grasp.  It is an emotional response, a reaction, a conversation with yourself, your inner voice, your authentic voice.   Finding the Abstraction in the Abstract or the Abstract in the Abstraction is another way of seeing and reflection.