Brittany Gregory: Revival
Brittany Gregory: Revival
Sept. 13 — Oct. 4, 2022
Artist Reception and Talk: Sept. 24, 11:00 AM
Exhibition Statement:
I use painting and drawing to express, explore, and understand emotions. I am influenced by atmosphere, elemental forces of nature, and storms. My body of work combines key concepts such as movement, line, form, color, value, and shape to investigate the human experience and the dialectical nature of life.
I choose to work a large surface because I want to convey the extensive energy of forces of nature. I want the viewer to be captured within the work that is life size or larger. The size enables the movements to create a composition that is dynamic. The initial marks on the canvas may change but they set up structure creating a unique composition. I work from intuition, staying present in the moment and making an effort to use how I am currently feeling to guide my marks. As time goes on, I make intentional choices based on the fluidity of the piece. Finally, as the work develops, so does the sense of space and atmosphere.
Artists I find particularly influential to my development include William Turner, Joan Mitchell, and Cy Twombley. I admire Turner’s strong sense of composition and use of hierarchy. In Mitchell and Twombley’s work, I observe abstract forms and how they resolve a space.
A force of nature is described as fiercely passionate and unstoppable. Through honesty and a sincere struggle, I strive to portray this in my work.
“Chaos is more freedom; in fact, total freedom. But no meaning. I want to be free to act, and I also want my actions to mean something.” -Audrey Niffenegger
Bio:
Brittany Gregory is a practicing licensed clinical professional counselor and art therapist in Bradley, Illinois. She has a BFA in Art Therapy and minor in Psychology from Millikin University. Brittany received her Masters of Art in Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy from Adler University in 2012. In undergrad, Brittany’s body of work consisted of abstract expressionist oil paintings and drawings. Brittany has worked as an art therapist for the past 10 years and has experience in a variety of clinical settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital, intermediate care facilities, and nursing homes. Outside of her clinical work and art, Brittany enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active.
