My focus is on the entire composition, rather than just the figure or main object, by treating negative space as that which shapes the subject – the total atmosphere of light and dark, pattern and texture. I select and simplify in a way that intensifies the image, brings the subject to life. Hopefully, the viewer accepts that simplification as something possibly more "real" than a realistic rendering, more memorable.
I enjoy the subject of the human form, in the act of very ordinary tasks or celebrations. The universality of those acts, the expressiveness and simplicity of unself-conscious people going about their lives are of great interest to me and, I hope, to others. It pleases me that, although I am representing a specific person, time or place, the humanity connects with the viewer. Even subjects that are in "exotic" places demonstrate the human qualities, demeanor and beauty of unremarkable people. There is so much extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.
To me, drawing is fundamental. Sketches may end up as woodcuts, monotypes, scratchboard or paintings. The images are dictated by the choice of media, its limitations and its assets. I like the simplicity and sensitivity of spoon printing, allowing lighter inking and a print that is clearly made from a woodblock with a grain and cutting that differs from linoleum block. A method that did not require a press was particularly advantageous when living on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. A method that required just a block or plate, glass palette, brayer, oil ink, paper and a well-worn wooden spoon – what could be simpler?
Visual art is one of the most important acts of symbol-making. All art is abstract. Through choice, selection, elimination, concentration and imagination we mine ideas from the natural world, the interior world of dreams and reveries, the world of science beyond the visible, the world of the mysteries of life and death, and the world of the societal structures that shape us. All of these factors combine to put the artist in his/her own special and unique time and place.
The differences between representational art and abstract art are superficial. All kinds serve to delight, excite and broaden our visions and enrich our lives.
Art is art --- it has always been so.
Barbara Brayman McMullen has taught art in public schools in New York and Pennsylvania; free-lanced in book design and illustration: television graphics; fashion and other retail advertising; poster design; sign-painting; liturgical images for churches; designed clothes for boutiques; sets and costumes for the theatre; and done several commissioned works in stained glass. Her works have been exhibited in numerous juried shows in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Hawaii, American Samoa and Michigan. Ms Brayman McMullen's art has received awards and recognition on numerous occasions, and can be found in both private and public collections throughout the United States, its Territories and in several other countries. Living for a time in American Samoa, her work inspired by that experience was exhibited in two one-woman shows at the Intercontinental Hotel in Pago Pago, where many of her prints found their way into private collections of people who reside all over the world.
BS in Art Education, State University of New York at New Paltz, NY
MFA in Graphics and Painting, Temple University, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Ilya Bolotowski, Benjamin Karp, George Wexler (SUNY-New Paltz)
Romas Viesulas, Arthur Flory, David Pease, Charles LeClair (Temple U.- Tyler)
Woodcuts
Monotypes
Drawings
Paintings and other Color Media
Inquiries regarding purchase of art can be sent to the Email address listed above, or by calling.
SAINT PAUL ART CRAWL
Click for Barbara's most recent Art Crawl postcard
April 24, Friday 6-10 PM
April 25, Saturday 12-8 PM
April 26, Sunday 12- 5 PM
Hundreds of artists and galleries. Thousands of visitors. In Lowertown and throughout Saint Paul.
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF PARTICIPANTS AND A DETAILED MAP OF THE ART CRAWL, GO TO:
www.artcrawl.org 651-292-4373
