"When I was in 7th grade my art teacher took me aside and handed me her old
box of oil paints. She told me that someday she wanted to see a painting by me.
That was a pinnacle day I never forgot."
MAS
TER
POL
R E V E A L E D
I met Rose at a dinner party a few weeks ago and was captivated by her energy and playfulness. When I checked out her web page, I realized that she translated that and more onto her large and vibrant canvases and called her to make a studio visit.
Now normally I take one portrait of an artist to include in a feature, but Rose was an imp and so much fun to capture, that I took a bunch of shots...all revealing the rich dynamic of this prolific artist.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND YOUR ART?
I am a passionate woman who is strong, spiritual, determined and emotional. I seek the truth in everything and I am always seeking answers to the mysteries before us. My art/creativity is a replication and an extension of that.
I am a passionate woman who is strong, spiritual, determined and emotional. I seek the truth in everything and I am always seeking answers to the mysteries before us. My art/creativity is a replication and an extension of that.
Q. CLEARLY YOUR WORK IS FULL OF ALL OF THOSE ELEMENTS . HOW DO YOU APPROACH A BLANK CANVAS AND TRANSFER THAT MOOD/STORY TO YOUR PAINTINGS?
I approach each canvas with the excitement of the mystery before me. I start with something - a single stroke or wide strokes of color. I literally jump into the abyss. I let go as much as humanly possible and I do not expect, I allow. The transference is easy for me because I'm not trying; it just happens like a steam of consciousness. I am free as a bird in flight during this process.
I approach each canvas with the excitement of the mystery before me. I start with something - a single stroke or wide strokes of color. I literally jump into the abyss. I let go as much as humanly possible and I do not expect, I allow. The transference is easy for me because I'm not trying; it just happens like a steam of consciousness. I am free as a bird in flight during this process.
T H E W O R K
Q. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE PAINTING FOR YOUR LIFE'S WORK?
I didn't choose to paint, it chose me. Growing up I did a lot of creative and athletic things - drawing, painting, singing, track, softball, playing the flute, trumpet, saxophone, photography, but painting was the one that came to the forefront when it was time. I didn't feel like it was a choice at all; the most important thing was to be creative with paint. I got a graphic design degree and did that to support my painting career until I could paint full-time.
Q. IF YOU COULD PAINT AN ENTIRE WALL OR CEILING ANYWHERE IN
THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE AND WHY THERE?
First, I would paint a giant wall because I am too old to paint a ceiling. My tennis elbow and neck would be ruined forever. The wall might be in New York City Chelsea area, near the highline. I feel the visibility would be awesome and it seems to me the perfect place for my style of art; it would fit right in.
Photos courtesy of artist
T H E S T U D I O
Step inside - this bright space is filled with in-progress and finished work...and all the pre-requisite trappings of a working studio. With one exception. Instead of brushes, rose applies her paint with thin wooden paddles...
Q. YOU PAINT WITH SMALL SLABS OF WOOD INSTEAD OF BRUSHES.
DOES THIS GIVE YOU MORE CONTROL AND CONNECTION WITH THE CANVAS?
This tool I use sparked from the "Renovation Series" I did. I was inspired at the time by Gerard Richter who uses a giant squeegee. I found these hard boards in different sizes and tried them and I was hooked! There is a smoothness they create with the paint that a brush just cannot do. I will go back to foam brushes or traditional brushes at some point, depending on the technique I am trying to create or how I want the paint to move. There is less control with these little wooden pieces and like it because they make things happen I cannot control and that feels more organic. But, no matter what, I am connected to the canvas.
Q. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR WILLIAM DE KOONING, HOW DOES HIS WORK MOVE YOU?
He is one of my all-time favorite artists. When I look at his paintings, I see a reflection of myself in many ways. I see strength, passion and so much determination. I feel his energy move right through me. Standing in front of his work makes me feel safe. I see and feel his raw energy bounce off the canvas and consume me.
Nice paint shoes!
Playing with her paint slabs that will end up as a collaged painting.
Q. YOU HAVE A SHOW COMING UP IN A WEEK. HOW DID THE SALVATION SERIES COME ABOUT?
It started with a very small piece that I did and fell in love with it. From there the new series was born. This new work ruminates in the deeper part of us to delve into something meaningful and to gain personal salvation. Through the vehicle of creating I get to escape the outside world and retreat.
Painting is my salvation especially in these peculiar and unsettling times. Situating myself in a creative zone allows me to transform myself and the world around me. I grew up Catholic although I do not practice it now, the rituals, colors, symbols, stories and statues always have captured my attention from a very deep place. There is a personal, old religious undertone to these works.
http://mclarrymodern.com
CHASING WILL BE THERE!
