Off the Grid
Location: P. Leahy
ARTIST: Libby Mewing
MEDIUM:
SIZE: 93 x 93cm
ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
As an abstract expressionist, I don’t have a subject in mind when I commence a work. My paintings are best described as gestural and intuitive rather than figurative or landscape. This bold painting evolved, like all my work, from a conversation between the surface and me with the brush being the conduit. The grid “pattern” gives an interesting vibration whilst a history of watery green and blue peeks through together with an earthy yellow which breaks up the quiet spaces. I think it also has quite a musical quality to it. Naming an abstract work is always a challenge and I much prefer the viewer to interpret the painting rather than look for an explanation of the title.
Value: $1,950AUD
Reserve: $1,200AUD
I am a Sydney and Jervis Bay based abstractionist who has benefitted from local and overseas tuition over the past 25 years. For the last six years, I have attended residential courses in France studying with Rogine Dore, Thibaut de Reimpre, Philippe de LaTour and locally with many talented teachers over the years. My paintings have been selected at the Mosman, Waverley, North Sydney, Shoalhaven and Hunters Hill Art Prizes and I have participated in various group shows and charity events. I am a member of the Art Gallery on Darling in Balmain and have been hung at Rochfort Gallery, North Sydney in various exhibitions.
My paintings evolve by intuitive gestures, mark-making, layering, drawing and my objective is to entice the viewer to travel through my work to find their own story and enjoy the journey. Large negative space is often a feature of my work and I enjoy forming a narrative between me and my brush or spatula. My influences are many and varied from Matisse, Bonnard, Diebenkorn, De Stael to many contemporary Australian artists. Although I am fascinated by neutrals and particularly grey, colour is also irresistible to me and I have been described as an unconventional colourist.