During my last show at the restaurant, many patrons asked me to explain my paintings while I was on the job. As a visual artist, it is always hard to come up with words to go along with the visual element, and even more difficult when you're on the spot and table 9 wants to order and I have six cocktails to make.... When I have my wits about me and I can channel all that they taught us in art school, I usually say something along these lines:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Artists Statement
by Lauren Aldrich
As humans, our eyes and minds are open wide, intricately wired to pick up and assimilate all that we see. We subconsciously collect and combine images in our memory banks, and each combination is accompanied by other points of reference. These reference points boil down to emotions and memories born from our personal trajectory through life, manifested in the form of color and shape.
The concept of anthropomorphism pervades my work. I find it fascinating that as humans, we perceive our ability to reason and feel as being so pervasive and omnipotent that we impose it on any other object or living thing we encounter, almost automatically. Put a couple eyes on just about anything, and suddenly we will interpret the object as having feelings and intentions.
As an artist, I get to play around with all of the infinite visual elements that surround us and juxtapose them against each other. This gives the viewer (and myself) particular reference points which trigger something deep in our visual memory banks and bring forth particular groups of emotions.
Most commonly I use a sort of formula including a small character with eyes depicted in a dreamlike scenario made up of a landscape, trees, pathways, a wild sky, clouds, stars, sun, etc. all painted in improbable, striking color schemes.
As you view the various scenes that I have created, let the images inspire a personal significance and storyline. Many stem from my own life experiences or emotions, but there is a unique meaning to be attained by each individual.
As you view the various scenes that I have created, let the images inspire a personal significance and storyline. Many stem from my own life experiences or emotions, but there is a unique meaning to be attained by each individual.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
So there it is! It's been a long time since I posted this, so I thought a little reminder would be helpful. Please share with me what you think of my statement. I'm curious if it makes sense to anyone else, or if it seems like it fits my work. Thank you!
