Cory Willingham van der Does: April 2014

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!

Monday, April 21, 2014

"Wonderfully Made" exhibit in one week!

A new exhibit of paintings and glass art will be shown at the Welborn Gallery starting next week. The paintings and the glass art (by my husband, glass blower Nicolas van der Does) explore the nature and concept of heritage, home and how we define our worth. This is an entirely new body of work from both of us and we're so excited to be showing at such an incredible gallery. The opening reception is Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Admission is free. The Welborn Gallery is located at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, and more information is available at www.yadkinarts.org.