Browsing by Author "Toland, Phoebe Rush"

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Line, layer, and form
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 1983) Toland, Phoebe Rush; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Richard Helzer
I see my work as direct expressions of my feelings rather than as preconceived illustrations based on themes. I have progressed from working in a predetermined, fixed way, toward a more spontaneous and intuitive approach. Although my work begins with specific ideas, the paintings evolve as each phase suggests the next. Part of that, evolutionary process involves painting over areas in an effort to strengthen and support the whole. In the same way, the collaged fabric in my work is either exposed to make use of existing pattern or covered. By working with actual and illusionistic layers, pictorial activity and complexity result. Through layering a kind of depth occurs which is intended to suggest endless space. A duality between rounded organic shapes and hard-edged structural forms takes place as the images are layered. While there is a physical contrast between the wall pieces and the double-sided painting, it is my intent that they all suggest moods rather than depict specific scenes. Due to its structural division the free-standing painting allows for sharply contrasting moods. The imagery of both sides makes use of the screenlike construction, which serves to create a sense of movement. This piece redefines the gallery space and promotes physical interaction with the viewer. The theater work I have done here provided the motivation for making a piece that would integrate my work with human action. The painting functions as a backdrop, while the viewer acts as a player. In these works, it is my hope that the viewer can react on an emotional level to the color, which is both muted and vibrant, the momentum of the gesture and the forms and images.