ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Frequently, my art comes directly from my imagination.  Or, if it arises from what I have seen, it is quickly transformed by my imagination.  For example, in my paintings I often change the color of what I see.  Furthermore, rather than painting from one photograph, I choose objects, places, or figures from many photographs and combine them into imaginary scenes.   Increasingly my paintings have become less and less realistic and more and more whimsical.

I called some of my recent paintings "dreamscapes."  On my page in Volume 2 of INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS, dreamscapes are defined as "dream-like versions of reality that are intensified with more color, more pattern, more line, and more texture than what an artist copying photographs would see."  I create fantasies—whimsical, happier versions of life.  I may place unlikely creatures into a landscape, add lines and patterns where there are none, change the dimensions or shapes of trees, birds, or animals, create playful depictions of people in their daily lives. I want my art to be "playful."  As I once did as a child, I want to "make things up."

I love patterns whether created by people or by nature.  I am frequently inspired by American Indian, native South African, Gaelic, or Middle East designs.   Occasionally, the whole painting becomes an elaborate pattern of lines and shapes.  Thus, some of my works are "non-objective," but more often my art is semi-representational or a whimsical transformation of reality.

I also focus on texture.  Texture may be created by painting over patterned gesso or a collage, by using special tools or almost anything to make marks in paint, or by using stamps and stencils in creative ways.  I sometimes strive for greater depth or more complex surfaces by layering acrylic paint in such a way that you can see through the layers. 

My most recent work focuses on line created with the end of a paint brush on the back of aluminum foil coated with black gesso.   I seek to capture the whimsical essence of creatures that attract my attention for their colors, patterns, positions, or attitudes.  I enjoy the fun, humor, and freedom to be creative encouraged by this innovative and unusual technique.

My whimsy is also coming out in my 3-D wall art.  These are called "assemblages."  The shapes are usually squares (canvas or mat board).  The surface is a pattern created by paint or by collaged papers.  The 3-D objects are attached to these surfaces. 

As an artist, I like to experiment with new ideas and tools.  My descriptions of what I do will change over time.   A record of those changes will be evident in the paintings on my website (www.nancytoppingbazin.com).   But whimsy will be the unifying element that will permeate my artwork from beginning to end.

4/24/13