Elsie Sanchez

Artist Statement

In my oil paintings, I strive to showcase the cloth quality of the canvas. The textured surface of the canvas, with its unique ability to hold and reflect light, enables me to convey various sensations like vibration, contraction, expansion, and dynamic movement effectively. I seek to express a sense of calm, contemplation, and energetic activity. Like life, these sensations are what I want to express.

The captivating artistry of medieval tapestries, complex weaving, and intricate patterns have always profoundly influenced my work. Their rich history and detailed designs continue to shape and inform my artistic process, adding depth and richness to my work. My paintings, however, are not narrative but express contemplation and energy. Before I apply oil to canvas, I immerse myself in creating numerous pen-and-ink line drawings on paper. Each stroke is carefully considered, aiming to capture more than just a line but an expression. These drawings serve as the foundation for my paintings, evolving and transforming as the painting progresses. Yet, remnants of the initial line work still linger in the final piece, preserving the essence of what initially drew me to it.

The physicality of the paintings and the repetitive (but not) nature of my work contribute significantly to my ability to capture both calmness and intensity (energy). My process involves adding and removing thin glazes on top of defined forms. This dynamic process of layering and removing glazes creates an evolving texture and depth in my work, mirroring the ebb and flow of life. I then remove some or all the thin glazes while selectively allowing remnants of the glaze to penetrate the crevices.  This labor-intensive but not monotonous process adds depth to my work and strengthens my connection with the painting, making it more apparent as I proceed.

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