ARLENE LOESCHE BRANICK
ARTIST STATEMENT
A great teacher and mentor of mine defined art as "truth on human terms". Many long discussions explored the meaning of that phrase, but I was young and philosophical art theories seemed so illusive in those days. I never forgot that definition and over the years the words have become a kind of mantra, repeating themselves over and over in my head as I strive to understand and express the meaning of those words in the work that I produce.
Every time I move the brush across the canvas or rub pastels into paper, every time I manipulate clay between my fingers, I am expressing a truth about who I am. I choose the colors, I make the marks, I decide when to reveal the truth that lies within. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Very little is planned in advance. The actual thought processes I use are minimal in the beginning. The real reflection comes as the work evolves. I trust the intimate relationship between my head and my heart and my hands to reveal a truth on my terms.
When I look at my work, I see a piece of personal truth. You will see something different. I only hope that what you see draws you inside the work, causes you to look under, behind and through the layers, colors and forms provoking you to ask the question, "What is art?".
A great teacher and mentor of mine defined art as "truth on human terms". Many long discussions explored the meaning of that phrase, but I was young and philosophical art theories seemed so illusive in those days. I never forgot that definition and over the years the words have become a kind of mantra, repeating themselves over and over in my head as I strive to understand and express the meaning of those words in the work that I produce.
Every time I move the brush across the canvas or rub pastels into paper, every time I manipulate clay between my fingers, I am expressing a truth about who I am. I choose the colors, I make the marks, I decide when to reveal the truth that lies within. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Very little is planned in advance. The actual thought processes I use are minimal in the beginning. The real reflection comes as the work evolves. I trust the intimate relationship between my head and my heart and my hands to reveal a truth on my terms.
When I look at my work, I see a piece of personal truth. You will see something different. I only hope that what you see draws you inside the work, causes you to look under, behind and through the layers, colors and forms provoking you to ask the question, "What is art?".
