“It seems like a lot of artists, when they get older, they get simpler.” —Willem de Kooning, 1959

I like this quote, a). because it’s true and b). because that’s reflective in my own work. Though I’ve been working on abstracting my experience via the canvas for the past year, I find myself–the more I paint–the simpler my methods, the context, and the overall style becomes. It doesn’t become easier (heh, when is it ever easy?), there has to be a differentiation there. But I believe our work, at its best and at its most vibrant and interesting points in this rough profession, excell the most when we retain simplification.

Or maybe I’m way off base here…but there seems to always be an “easiness” to the work (or perhaps the better word is “effortlessness”) when we, in our search for perfection, hit it just right. I think we could all take to heart some quotes from Mr. de Kooning.

There seems to be a certain “stigma” that comes with being a woman and being an artist. Just as in art history and in life, female artists are not particularly revered, let alone well-known. I can think of only three female artists who I studied about in any art history courses I took: Mary Cassatt (aka “that cute mother-with-baby-taking a bath” painting), Georgia O’Keffe (aka “the vagina flowers painter”) and Frida Kahlo, an artist I’ve never particularly cared for. It seems rather disappointing and almost shameful that there are not more female works discussed and associated with the great masters of the art world. Though I can think of several off the top of my head who deserve such a title…Jenny Saville, Artemisia Gentileschi, Marlene Dumas, Kristin Calabrese…the list continues.

So why are female artists, both contemporary and those of the past, virtually unknown, while their male counterparts are everywhere–in books, in lectures, in galleries worldwide? I’ve never considered myself a Feminist. I don’t consider my sex an issue when it comes to whether my art is received well or ill or whether I get an exhibition opportunity or not. But I do find the subject of the female artist…lacking, and my rational remains uncomfortably undecided.

What (and why) do you think female artists remain, on the whole, less popular or familiar than male artists?

One of my all-time favorite contemporary artists is David Brewster. If you haven’t heard of him, then you will most likely be wowed by his talent. It was only by happy coincidence a few years ago, while doing some internet research on contemporary artists for a class, that I stumbled upon him. He had just had an exhibition in nearby Philadelphia which I (sadly) missed but, since then, I have made it a priority to keep up on his work.

Brewster’s work is unmistakabley rich–the moist texture of the paint, the dynamic rhythm of lines and space, the vast color palette and interesting take on projecting interior and exterior locations. The overall effect is majestic, if not foreboding at times, but each piece is all-absorbing. Perhaps some readers will disagree (and, hey, that’s the point!) but I find myself left in awe of this man’s incredible body of work.

My main subject matter for the past year has been cityscapes (and landscapes)–exteriors bordering on Abstract Expressionism. Brewster’s paintings possess fleets of other-worldiness, but there’s a highly-crafted refinement that brings his pieces back to unity. They are, simply put, beautiful and unsettling all at once. During the course of my senior year, one of our visiting artists paid a visit to the Senior Painting Studio and gave us individual critiques. When he stopped by my little corner, one of the first comments he made to me was that my work reminded him of his friend, David Brewster. (I guess there’s my self-proof that we all subconsciously make artistic note–and mark–of painters we love. Ha!) Needless to say, it was of the nicest compliments (and a bit surprising!) I’ve ever gotten. Personally, I don’t feel my work really reflects any of Brewster’s style at all but, hey, that’s more than fine with me! Here are just a few samples of his work:

For much more information, visit David Brewster’s website at www.davidbrewsterfineart.com

Welcome to Starved 4 Art, a blog about art–both contemporary and historical–from the viewpoint of a fellow artist and (hopefully) other artisans. That’s the aim, the goal and the purpose of this little blog I created in the “ether”.

Since this is an intro, I should start by sharing a little about myself. My name’s Andrea Weaver, and I’m a fine artist with a concentration in painting (oils) and ink drawing. I recently graduated Cum Laude from the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design with my B.F.A in Fine Arts. Now I’ve entered the “Real World” in pursuit of my own individual, completely unique and totally my own art career…or so I’m attempting. I’ve so far had two successful exhibitions and, now, I’m in pursuit of the third. But like 99% of graduating art students, I’m also financially supporting myself through other jobs (aka careers not totally related to my degree).

Because of this, my need (like most artists trying desperately to make it in this field) to stay connected to the artistic community and the art world at large is dire, not to mention an absolute must. Writing and communicating online about art and artists, as well as discussing my own work, is just one of the many important forms we need to stay invested in what we do, because it’s such a big part of who we are. I often think of the quote, “We do not think that art can save the world, but we do believe that it sustains our humanity”. Hopefully, this blog will–with the help of contributors and conversation–do just that…