Cory Willingham van der Does: April 2010

F5: Painting the Psychological Impact of Extreme Weather

For my thesis (F5: Painting the Psychological Impact of Extreme Weather) I employ the depiction of extreme weather events such as tornados, hurricanes, and dust storms in a narrative format to move the viewer to the unsettling space that lies between basic instinct and self-awareness. Why and how do we react to such severe and life-threatening storms? These paintings work to define and contain these psychological states within a single moment and shed light on the complexity of human motives and the way we relate to the world around us.

Employing painting techniques such as abstraction, collage, and experimental surface treatments, I explore new possibilities within the narrative tradition. I combine images from sources such as meteorological surveys, psychology textbooks, scientific journals and websites, and personal photographs to create highly textured paintings deeply layered with meaning. By exploiting the unique properties of oils, acrylics, and charcoals, and by embedding within the paint natural materials such as pine needles, rocks, twigs, sand, and moss, and incorporating man-made common household construction materials such as spackle and bead-board panelling, the forms within the compositions and the surface of the paintings become interdependent in the translation of the message.

If you are interested in additional information about this body of work or my thesis, please don't hesitate to email me!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

On the Wall...

So only four of the six final paintings made it to the gallery wall (limited space....BIG paintings), but I am happy and proud of my work. I'll post large images of each painting up above the blogs. My Oral Defense was this past Wednesday night. It was terrifying facing the panel and the audience, but explaining my artistic process and defending my work was a joy, nonetheless. And in the end, I think it went really well. Only one final step....the actual printed and bound version of the written thesis, which is due in two weeks. And then...????? Well, that's what you call a BLANK CANVAS.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Thesis Exhibit

My BFA Thesis Exhibit is OPEN! How rewarding to have a year's worth of work up, under the lights, and on display! Due to the size of the wall, I was only able to hang four of the six paintings, so I chose the four I thought were the most successful. The Opening Reception was wonderful....we had a great turn out, and all of the work by my fellow BFA candidates was amazing. If you're in Jacksonville, please feel free to stop by the Alexander Brest Gallery and Museum Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM before May 1st to view my (and 22 other artists') work.