Elizabeth D'Angelo Gallery
Artist Statement
The Center is first the
core, then the heart, then the
hub. The technology of our advanced “civilized” society in all
of its complexity seems totally chaotic to me at times. We are distracted
by superficialities such as material wealth and physical beauty and this pattern
often causes us to overlook what is most important. These images and their
centers represent what is organic and primitive, yet completely ordered through
naturally occurring patterns. My paintings are meant to remind the viewer
of the need to focus on the core, where the object’s strength and stability
lie, and relate it back to themselves. The act of centering the self is essential
to health and wellbeing.
As architectural elements
of a space these images become the focal point or centerpiece of a gathering
place. Those that enter into this space are prompted to convert thoughts of
external space into internal space. People inhabit shared spaces universally
and timelessly and these patterns are reflected in the visual patterns of
nature. The Nautilus shell, with its logarithmic spiral is the architecture
of a space that is universally human. Within the space of each segment lies
every instant of human experience. We reside within objects such as the grapefruit
or the kiwi, within the crevices of their modules. These segments are akin
to our own internal organs. By exploring such spaces we can learn the truth
inherent in our own centers, in the centers of objects that we often overlook,
and the centers of spaces that we inhabit.
Biography
Elizabeth D'Angelo
was born on June 30th, 1980 in Denver, Colorado.
She moved to Florida at an early age and began participating in activities
in the arts ranging from musical theatre, photography, sculpture, painting,
graphic design, and video art.
She later earned her BFA in Electronic Intermedia and a minor in Art History
from the University of Florida. During this time she also studied Art History
in Florence, Italy and traveled to Rome and Venice in that pursuit. After
graduation she moved to New York City and worked at Red Car Post Production
Company for several months.
Although her interests span a wide range, since her move to Atlanta she has
focused her creative endeavors on painting as she feels that it is where she
is most at home. At home in Atlanta as well, she has been cultivating a series
of what she calls “Centers”. She speaks of healing, self renewal,
and the importance of balance in these pieces. Some of her numerous exhibition
spaces locally have included The Ferst Center for the Performing Arts, The
B Complex, Eyedrum, the GASP! Gallery at the Tula Art Center, and Be Original!
at Miami Circle.
She has also participated in various charitable art-related events including
those that have offered funding for The Cunard Memorial Playground, Toys for
Tots, Angel Flight of Georgia, Project Open Hand, and the Sierra Club.