Wendy Westlake
modern abstract paintings
Artist Statement:
Within each canvas is an opportunity to explore relationships through shape and color. I consider how much territory a specific shape will occupy, whether it should expand perhaps overlapping neighboring shapes. Will these forms meet in a strong defined way or will the edges barely touch in delicate softness? The use of color opens yet another avenue for interplay of relationships. A bold orange painted next to an equally bold red will look and feel completely different than if paired with a muted yellow. Each color is influenced by those closest to it.
In a sense each painting is either portrait or self-portrait. How am I affected by those closest to me and how do I influence them in return? I'm inspired by the American Abstract Expressionists, particularly the color fields of Mark Rothko and collages of Conrad Marca-Relli
Representation
Galerie Blanche, Montréal, Canada
Gardner Colby Gallery, Naples FL
LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids, MI
M Fine Arts Galerie, Boston, MA
Merritt Gallery, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, Washington DC
Moberg Gallery
Samuel Owen Gallery
Greenwich CT, Palm Springs FL, Nantucket MA
Shain Gallery, Charlotte, NC
Veronique Wantz Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
Education/Experience
1992 Associate of Applied Arts, Pima College, Tucson, AZ
2 year Bible AFLBS Bible College
2016-2017 535 Gallery owner/curator
2014-2016 Minnesota Watercolor Society President
Solo and Two Person Exhibits
2023 Undercurrent Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2021 Initium, Veronique Wantz, Minneapolis, MN
2020 The Balance Remains, Veronique Wantz Gallery, Minneapolis, MN - postponed
2018 with Michelle Fagan, Parkside Gallery, Rochester, MN
2017 solo, Verdant Vinings, Gallery 360, Edina, MN
2017 with Bonnie Cutts, 535 Gallery, Rochester, MN
2016 with Nick Sinclair, 535 Gallery, Rochester, MN
2013 with HeeJune Shin, Crossings At Carnegie, Zumbrota, MN