| Artist's Statement |
Conceptually, my work explores the essence of life, time and space greatly influenced by
the discoveries of modern science and mathematics. As inner and outer worlds are made
visible through microscopes and telescopes; my paintings and tapestries portray that
total universe in constant motion, with motifs endlessly repeating themselves through the
secrets of fractal geometric patterns—once deemed to be pure chance. Simultaneously, I
have embraced linear scripts inspired by such ancient texts as the Dead Sea Scrolls,
written in Aramaic, as well as the Oriental calligraphy of the Chinese Book of Changes
[The I Ching]; born of divergent cultures but with similar formulas for living life nobly
and repairing a world in conflict—again, making order out of seeming chaos. The third,
but perhaps most important component of my work, is its physicality expressed through
sheer joy of the materials themselves—oil paint, intense colored pigments, alkyd varnish
glazes, linen and wool textiles; while taking the viewer on a thought-provoking journey
through ideas and emotions.
the discoveries of modern science and mathematics. As inner and outer worlds are made
visible through microscopes and telescopes; my paintings and tapestries portray that
total universe in constant motion, with motifs endlessly repeating themselves through the
secrets of fractal geometric patterns—once deemed to be pure chance. Simultaneously, I
have embraced linear scripts inspired by such ancient texts as the Dead Sea Scrolls,
written in Aramaic, as well as the Oriental calligraphy of the Chinese Book of Changes
[The I Ching]; born of divergent cultures but with similar formulas for living life nobly
and repairing a world in conflict—again, making order out of seeming chaos. The third,
but perhaps most important component of my work, is its physicality expressed through
sheer joy of the materials themselves—oil paint, intense colored pigments, alkyd varnish
glazes, linen and wool textiles; while taking the viewer on a thought-provoking journey
through ideas and emotions.
| Barbara Rae Schaefer |
