The Arch, 2020

Nataliya Gurshman  

Artist Statement:

My dear admirer and collector: you partake of my soul, the artistic process I've have been through and become aware of my sensibilities, feelings, love and passion. These are quite unique to both me and you, because we are drawn to each other by the magnetism of our shared qualities and values, thus we become connected, a reflection of one another, the artist and its viewer…

I am a very intuitive and emotional being, and my art reflects that. I create my work in a single breath, without any pause, so that I do not lose any drop of that inspiration. I am so caught up in the moment of creation that I forget where I am—nothing can distract me from this euphoria. Whatever I am painting, I must be in love with my subject. Lately, I have been attracted to nature even more and truly enjoy spending time painting plein air. I create my impression of the subject that reflect my background, my emotional state at the moment by utilizing new artistic techniques. I choose bold brush strokes of opaque lights to express my energy juxtaposed against transparent cooler shadows, and scraping some translucency into the mysterious darks with the palette knife. Often, I venture into the depths of my inner being and create more abstract pieces, which take their origins, at present, from a challenge in dealing with my teenager daughter, and maneuvering into that territory is hard but simultaneously wondrous. These paintings are raw — full of dark blues, purples and cadmium yellow lights, that sparkle throughout the surface. The compositions seem to be more circular thus my feelings and frustrations appear to be perpetual. I use palette knife that helps me express movement, anger and love culminating in one piece. It is a gratifying feeling once the painting is done — I exhale, feel hungry, happy, but totally exhausted mentally. The feeling of accomplishment fills me up: "all the hard work hasn't been wasted — I can paint, I can do this well!"

I grew up in the cold climate of Leningrad, a former Soviet Union. Long cold winters definitely influence my work as well as my love for the light of the snow.

Education:

BFA & MFA

Professional/Teaching Experience:

I have been teaching college level classes as well as privately for the past 20 years. My students are my inspiration!