TEL: 415.441.8680
EILEEN STARR MODERBACHER
new small paintings
The point and purpose of my art making is to squelch the unrest that lies within me. My work is about placing the unrest represented by a tangible object at the forefront which resonates, titillates and excites me, but in the doing of it calms me down, restores my piece of mind and makes me feel complete.
My process is intuitive. I am attracted to certain images corresponding to my emotional and mental state at that period of my life, that time of choosing. I do not question why. I simply move forward trusting my selectivity. I experiment with my choices frantic almost to the point of obsession in terms of placement, overall composition and attention to my use of black/white and positive/negative shapes.
To some my very detailed compositions may seem too crowded with every millimeter of space activated, but I hope this aspect of the work only serves to heighten the tension of the moment. My paintings always make me think of Mozart who was accused of having too many notes in his musical compositions.
Choice of scale is vital to my work. In this new body of paintings, the small scale of the scenes transforms them into miniatures rather than landscapes. They become, I hope, a view into a scene in which the participant who has left behind an artifact is gone. We are left to experience that moment.
urban landscrapes
My work is often a constant jarring pairing of visual contrasts; sharp and soft focus, plans and people, detail and sketchy drawings side by side. What is most unsettling is the juxtaposition of content. Passionate lovers take backstage to soft plants. Domestic bliss co-exists with soldiers and guns. Home is surrounded by war and garbage. One wonders what aspects of life are real, the threats, the struggle or the private moments.
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