Laurie Near

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I am inspired by writings, music and artworks which evoke a sense of connection and timelessness. Intuitive process is the driving force in my most recent body of work where paintings are characterized by focus on repetition, organic shapes and fluidly applied colour.  Multiple layers of glaze, in conjunction with the use of metallic/iridescent pigments, allow each painting to reveal  subtle compositional changes depending on the precise angle at which light hits the surface of the canvas. Over a period of days, canvases are regularly moved from easel to floor and back to easel, depending on whether, and how much I want the paint to travel and mix in each successive skin. Because of the need to allow saturated layers to dry before adding more pigment, I tend to work on several different paintings at once. While this makes for a crowded studio (the wet paintings are generally laid out flat on the floor for long periods of time) it helps to lessen the “stop-start” frustration of having to wait for glazes to properly gel when I’m in the zone and don’t want to stop.

An avid naturalist (raised by a pair of hardcore “birders”) and a strong believer in basic philosophies regarding the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world, I can often be found hiking with my dog, taking in the scenery and quietly absorbing images and impressions for use back in the studio.