CV

BFA, Concentration in Painting, The College of Santa Fe, NM, 1991

2023
Gallery 114, Portland, OR—In the Deep End, juried group exhibition
The Painting Center, New York, NY—Volume UP: Artists Responding to Music and Sound, juried group exhibition

2020
Red E Cafe Gallery, Portland, OR—Inner Landscape, solo exhibition

2019
Red E Cafe Gallery, Portland, OR—Stone Woman and Other Tales, solo exhibition Mel’s Frame Shop, Portland, OR—Connections, solo exhibition
Ford Gallery, Portland, OR—Recycled Rain Project, juried group exhibition

2018
Red E Cafe Gallery, Portland, OR—Taking Shape, solo exhibition
Voice Catcher, online juried group exhibition, Spring 2018

2017
The Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College, Salem, OR—Inquiry Abstraction, group exhibition
Ford Gallery, Portland, OR—Recycled Rain Project, juried group exhibition

2016
12x16 Gallery, Portland—Nightlight, solo exhibition
Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Roseburg, OR—ArtWorks Northwest, juried group exhibition

2004-2005
Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR—Expressions West, juried group exhibition, 2005
Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA—Northwest Biennial: Building Wise, juried group exhibition, 2004
Marghitta Feldman Gallery, Portland, OR—solo exhibition, 2004

Statement

I use the language of abstraction and the mediums of painting, drawing and collage to document my perception of things. The imagery I choose exists somewhere between the unknown and what may be familiar to the eye. My aim is to bond with the viewer through color, shape or symbol—to form a connection based on common memories or experience. My work today is rooted in years-long experimentation with a range of subject matters, styles and materials—all guided by themes related to process. Integration is one theme holding my attention right now as I feel a consistent motive to unite parts in service of a whole.

My painting process is fed by ongoing studies in markmaking and photography. I am often more interested in the process of making, often leading me to surprising results. Ongoing investigations into art-making include reconsidering the definition of painting, studying the materiality of paint and inventing tools for paint application. I experiment widely with disparate materials (found object, polymer clay, cardboard, rope, grommets) that inform— and sometimes merge with— my paintings.

Bio

Creative expression is essential to my understanding of the world and where I find my clearest voice. I credit my high school art instructors, Martin Davis (Tucson, AZ) and Milton Harley (Nanaimo, B.C.) for providing a strong foundation for valuing art in my life. I received a BFA with a concentration in painting (1991) from The College of Santa Fe in New Mexico. I live in Portland with my husband, our son (13) and our cat. I work in my home studio and practice drawing, collage and photography in service of my painting. I exhibit my art online and in person, opening my studio to the public twice a year.

My work is included in many private collections and has been included in group exhibitions at The Painting Center in New York, Tacoma Art Museum, Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Umpqua Valley Arts Association and The Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College.

Roberta Aylward, 2023

Interviews

October, 2023—”In the Studio With…”

interview with Paul Xavier Rutz, painter, Portland, OR

interview with shea in the catskills.

in converstion with “a podcast where I get to talk to my favorite artists, esotericists, writers, organizers, spiritual + creative workers + people who I think are doing really interesting shit in the world.” -shea in the catskills

Interview with Robyn Love

“These are long-format, lively explorations with people who use a wide range of media and techniques in pursuit of their creative expression. During our conversation, the artists have permission to meander, be silent and venture in-depth with the ideas that are alive in their art-making practice.” - Robyn Love