Rochelle Newman, 
Bridges Conference 2001
 

Geometry should be an essential component of every visual artist's toolbox. It provides the concepts and the skills to understand and manipulate space whether it be two, three, or beyond, dimensions. Its importance, however, never came through to me throughout my elementary, secondary, college, and graduate schooling. It never had value until I was teaching art to college level students. For my design, drawing, painting, and three dimensional courses, I then had to flesh out my own educational background. In the process I not only became conversant with the principles and practices of geometry, it became an absolute essential in my courses.

    In my own art, I have never been interested in working with realistic imagery. I find geometric ideas to be the subject matter of my work. I am enamored of the surface as both an actual plane and the illusion of space. It is the tension between them that intrigues me. Geometry affords me a logical structure on which to layer idiosyncratic colors, which are chosen by feeling. Use of the Golden Ratio, tilling, grids, and symmetry gives me an order that can then be disturbed by eccentric elements such as woven sections, surface embellishment, and tactile elements.

    The twelve images in this electronic exhibit are from a group entitled "Spatial Odyssey" which is a journey of inner, outer, and planar exploration. 

    The 12  images-acrylic paint on watercolor paper with surface embellishments (There are more of these in the group):