|
BIOGRAPHY |
|
…..“Long’s abstract expressionist works are not tired and boring, but rather fresh and engaging. This is difficult to achieve in a genre often misunderstood and falsely maligned by detractors. Abstract art has a tradition going back to before the 1930’s. European artists such as Gorky and Mondrian paved the way for Pollock and DeKooning, and they in turn provided the dialogue present in Long’s work. Long says, “Many of my images are interpretations of dreams. Others I derive from literary or mythical allusions. Sometimes, I combine these with contemporary themes.” Inherent in Long’s paintings….is a deep sense of lyricism, expressed in the rhythms of the forms she uses, and the sumptuousness of her colors, thick and sensual. The strongest work in the show can be found among the monotypes, which Long describes as single prints made from a metal or plexiglas plate on which a picture is painted. She uses oil-based lithographic inks on zinc etching plates. Dampened paper is placed over the plate, which is then run through a press. This process affords Long an immediacy in producing images as well as offering her a method amenable to her painterly style. This is evident in “Blooming at Beltane” and “With Shelving Banks.” These monotypes are bursting with color and are more than just pleasing to the eye. They have a formalism about them that connects with the contemporary traditions founded in Abstract Expressionism. Another piece, “Venus of Willendorf,” a small 8 x 10 inch oil painting, has a striking connection to the work of the modern master Grace Hartigan. Long has developed her craft in a respectful manner, while bringing her own voice to the table.”
James Montford Special to the Norwich Bulletin “Vineyards Gallery show Long on inspired images” April 24, 1997 |