Tony Wood: Judges Statement

Figuratively Speaking" - July 2009 Exhibit

As an artist that mostly creates pictures of the human figure and face, I was extremely honored to be selected to judge this year’s “Figuratively Speaking” exhibition. I must admit that it was challenging in that there is so many well-crafted and thoughtful pieces of art dealing with the human form. I always tell my students that painting and sculpting the figure and narrative figurative works is at the top of the art food chain because it’s hard, and it’s hard because even the untrained know when we’ve got it wrong, but in my opinion, when we’ve master it, it is one of the most satisfy and delightful experiences in art. As a judge I must be true to my training and experience, but not neglect the emotional impact that some artist present in their work.

I wish to speak a bit about my process. I selected works based on how well they show a mastery of the chosen medium, and an understanding of art/picture-making, mark-making and process, and I also like to see a strong feeling of the artist intent and a unity of that intent, craftsmanship and purpose. Personally, I also like to see, where appropriate, the artist hand in the work in the form of stray marks, scribbles, sgraffito, textures and such, as well as some risk-taking and the pushing of artistic boundaries. As I said, judging this exhibition was challenging, and for the award winners, I got it right and if you didn’t get an award and felt you should have then I got it wrong but the judging process is a personal experience and in that respect my choices aren’t necessarily a judgment of anyone’s abilities as an artist, just my personal experience interacting with this body of work.

As I walked around the gallery, I first looked for works that grabbed my attention and then spent some time studying them to make sure my first impressions were sound. The top awards were the pieces that grabbed me and then stood up to my scrutiny and examination.

“Best of Show” Marta Crawford’s piece “Memories” is not only well-crafted and well designed, with a beautiful use of edge state that creates and inviting softness, almost a velvety texture but Marta has captured tenderness in the gaze of the sitter that singularly creates a narrative and makes me want to know more about her.

“ First Place” I very much liked both of Yure L. deAlencar’s sculptures but chose his piece titled “Infinity” because of the way the elegant proportions of the figure contrasted with the broken and scarred surfaces and snake-like legs, which made me think of Medusa in reverse.

“ Second Place” Beau Wild’s piece “Am I Really Like Mom?” pulled me in with a strong narrative. The almost monochromatic color palette and robust handling of the figure unified the piece and the woman; eyes covered not to see the mask, looking at her, through her and away gave me the feeling of a baroque narrative or tragic Greek play.

“ Third Place” Patricia HK Zalisko’s abstract “Woman Emerging from Shadows” grabbed me with the bold darks pulling the figure out of the chaos of slashes of paint and color, meaningless words and masterful marks. This was a joy to look at because I could see the artist hand and mind at work or play; however you look at it and the process she went through to create this unified and exciting work of art.

I’ll briefly speak about the other selections for your information:

“Achievement” Amelie Rodgers “Weaving Cotton,” I was immediately struck by the misty, atmospheric quality of the landscape, the beautiful cool colors and the solid placement of the three figures. The small child peeking-out from behind the tall, elongated figure was especially entertaining, a hidden little gem that you had to search for.

“Achievement” Earl A. Weydahl, Jr. “Moulin Rouge,” A very post-modern idea, appropriating other imagery to make it your own, but Earl staged a coup d'état and by using glazes to create depth and unity and color to create excitement and tension, took what could have been a very fanciful image and made it feel like a dimly lit night club, much like I would expect the Moulin Rouge to feel.

“Achievement” Craig Monroe “Ioana” This photograph was well-crafted and well shot. The way the light cascaded across the figure, outlining the form, a wash of white that was very pleasing to the senses, the tilt of the head and position of the body made me think of the classical drawings of Pierre-Paul Prud’hon and the early 19 th century works of the Ecole des Beaux Arts.

“Achievement” Janis Murray “Catnap” The color and technique of this napping figure made me think of Matisse but with more structure. The re-striking of the line gave the work a sense of solidity and the color choices kept it fun and engaging.

“Recognition” Rose Ann Samuelson “Pineapples, Pineapples,” Bizarre and compelling. I loved the dancers’ attitudes, sexy and confident and the connection between the hand grenades and the pineapples was inspired. Rose Ann shows a mastery of figure and paint and created and well structured and engaging work.

“Recognition” Audrey Rosen “Sophie” I love the cropping of the figure, the cool colors and the painterly brush work. Very unified and inviting.

“Recognition” Yuri Ivanenko “Goddess,” This is a masterful piece that is well-crafted with an oblivious love for the sitter. It is a very striking and moving piece and it proves the saying that we do wear our lives on our face.

“Recognition” Susan Bottaro “Back in the Day,” This piece surprised me. It’s not what I usually would be attracted to, but the piece has such an inviting feeling, like a memory. I wanted to sit down with them and just enjoy a relaxed afternoon. I could see myself painted into this picture.

“Merit” Peter Cerreta “Behold when Madmen Rule,” Peter has a very strong technique and style, a cubist/fracture feel that reinforces the movement and agitation that his narrative requires. His story is poignant, non-artistic types seem to act more like animals every day.

“Merit” Constanz Elder “Trust,” The image of the girl and her horse is completely engaging from across the room. The idea of the girl in profile and the horse in profile gives the work a sense that the players are just passing through and will soon walk out of our frame of sight and leave us looking at the stables. This is a very gentle and welcoming work of art.

“Merit” Betty Morris Parker “Quilt Maker,” The use of the collage medium to create such an endearing work is what makes this such a masterful piece. The handling of all that white paper, contrasting against the bold colors that break up the space is beautiful. The silhouetted figure is very intriguing. I especially like seeing the artist process that revealed themselves in the more distressed areas of the collage.

“Merit” Rafael C. Torres “Joy of Motherhood.” This is like cheating, how could I not be attracted to an image of a mother and child and the voyeuristic approach of the image. What a touching example of the better aspects of our humanity.

“Honorable Mention” Patrick Flannery “Never Argue with a Fool,” This piece is very humorous and very telling. I think we can all relate to the content of Patrick’s picture. The technique is and handling of the medium is strong and the narrative is packed full of symbols of buffoonery and self-deprecating humor. Patrick is a brave person to let us in on such a personal joke. I especially like the necklace self portrait, sticking his tongue out in defiance.

“Honorable Mention” Katherine S. Acevedo “Cruciforma,” This is a very bold figure drawing and it would have remained a nice life drawing if not for the fore-shorten view and the cruciform repose of the figure. The repeating crucifix shapes add to the idea and narrative. I very much like the line quality, especially around the feet and legs. Some areas are too heavy-handed but the image and narrative remains strong.

“Honorable Mention” Naomi Lee Berlin “Hanging Out” Great movement and color in this composition. The clothes on the lines and the windows/ walls remind me of Venice. Naomi has allowed us to enjoy the carefree attitude of this swinging young man and we can vicariously live in his jubilation if only for a moment.

“Honorable Mention” Ines Maisannes “Deirdre’s Treasure,” The violet, pitted and roughly textures glass, stunning in its organic, maternal form is beautifully contrasted by the geometric starkness of the beveled rectangular pane of clear glass. I have to ask myself, is the glass plate simply a device to support the figure or is there a metaphor here. I’m personally hoping for the metaphor but because it makes me ask the question, the artist has done their job as far as I am concerned.

“Judge’s Choice” Stan Kirson “Red Hat Ladies,” Once again I have been drawn in by a ploy, bright red hats on monochromatic figures. This is a classic example of the principle of emphasis and focal point. I often tell my students that the Principle of design, emphasis is the artist version of “made you look!” Needless to say this doesn’t distract from the joy I derived by looking at Mr. Kirson work. It is humorous, pleasing and inviting. Bravo, you made me look.

“Judge’s Choice” Jerry LaPole “Pregnant Again,” Jerry’s work is very stylized and unique in his presentation. I like the not so quiet humor and the Picasso-like technique. I believe Picasso would have used puffy paint if only it existed in his day and remember, Picasso said and I paraphrase, “good artist borrow, great artist steal!”

“Judge’s Choice” Antoinette M. Slick “the Queen,” Antoinette’s painting is a very strong figurative abstract. The Image is well designed and she shows a mastery of paint application, process and design. I especially like the fact that I can see the artist hand in this work. The direction of the brushstrokes, the sgraffito and mark-making with a blunt instrument and the simple red oval against the bold black swatch that reads the head is exciting and inspired.

“Judge’s Choice” Kathleen Lusby “Bryant Park” This painting is very bright and attracts your attention the moment you see it. The handling of light is impressive and draws you in. The scene is charming and make for a very warm image.