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February Issue 2005
Rabold Gallery in Aiken, SC, Features Works by Jill Noël Stafford
Rabold Gallery in Aiken, SC, presents All
Things Counter, Original, Spare, Strange, an exhibit by artist
Jill Noël Stafford of Augusta, GA, from Feb. 17 to Mar. 12,
2005. Stafford is the past president of the South Carolina Watercolor
Society, where she is a member in excellence.
All Things Counter, Original, Spare, Strange comprises 15 new works by the artist. Stafford produces large scale and intimate nonrepresentational works in acrylic on paper applied to canvas.
The curious title of the exhibit comes from the writings of Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) an English poet and Jesuit priest. The poem the phrase is drawn from relates to the belief that the fullness of joy is to see God in all things. The artist also is influenced by contemporary artist and essayist Mako Fujimura, a native of Japan who now works in New York.
"In the art world today, it is considered necessary to acquire a style or formula for painting," Stafford said. "But I think real style comes not from a technique of painting, but from a philosophy of seeing and living. Being original should be the result of a vision, not of a clever brush stroke."
Earlier in her art career, Stafford established a reputation for producing quiet, pastoral scenes. Her earlier works leaned toward realism. Several years ago, shortly after she had broken her hand, she participated in an artists exchange involving French and American painters. While painting plein aire in Monet's garden in Giverny, because she was unable to hold a paint brush, she painted with her hand and anything she could hold. The experience taught her how to paint differently and how to think about art differently.
Stafford said, "I am thankful for the time I spent in producing traditional artwork, because before you can depart from anything, you first must know and understand what you are departing from."
Stafford's work today bears no resemblance to her earlier work. "I now have a restless energy and a spirit of discovery that is reckless with intuitiveness, order, and chaos. It is a vision I seek, not a concept or idea."
The artist does not use a palate and she disdains anything regular, like using brushes, opting instead to apply the paint with her hand and other objects. "This is so I can paint directly from my internal feelings," she said, "so I can produce something with my most basic instincts."
Just as Hopkins expressed his faith through poetry, Stafford expresses hers through art. "Art requires a tremendous commitment," she said. "Creativity, I believe, is a commitment to the Creator. Art, being the highest form of creation, gives the artist the chance to be their best for his glory. We have the resources of this world and there is tremendous work ahead to fulfill our role as the created. My desire is that my work will reflect his love and light."
Stafford has shown throughout South Carolina, including several juried, traveling exhibitions with the South Carolina Watercolor Society. She has had solo exhibitions in South Carolina and Georgia.
For further information check our SC Commercial
Gallery listings, call the gallery at 803-641-4405 or e-mail at
(raboldgallery@bellsouth.net).
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