Anita (Haddad) Loomis (b.1964, Wiesbaden, German) creates paintings that explore facets of human dialogue and relationships. Through paint, humor and a deep curiosity about human imperfection, she investigates what it means to navigate communication with people who see the world through a different cultural lens than her own. She paints to shine a light on the common threads that connect our human experiences, and to spotlight the social value of empathy.
Loomis earned her BA in Studio Art from Framingham State University, Massachusetts, her MA with a concentration in Arts Management and her GCPA from the University of Central Florida, FL. Focused on painting since 2004, she worked in the field of architectural stained glass for decades prior. Her work has exhibited with Miller White Gallery, South Dennis, MA; Fountain Street Gallery, Boston, MA, and various exhibitions in New England, Pennsylvania, China and Japan. Her work is collected privately.
Anita owns Loomis Gallery in Kittery, Maine, where she lives and paints. She actively collaborates with local artists and art teachers to exhibit the artwork of students and other artists in various venues.
Statement
I create paintings that explore facets of human dialogue and relationships. Through paint, humor and my deep curiosity about human imperfection, I investigate what it means to navigate communication between people who see the world through different cultural lenses. My long work history in public service informs the multi-faceted perspectives I portray. As I speak through oil or watercolor paint, I use expressive black line, lush color, and transparency to conjure spaces, characters and compositions in a distinctive style that evolved after working for decades in the field of architectural stained glass: try to imagine collaborative paintings by expressionist Joan Miro', animator Chuck Jones, and the scribes of illuminated manuscripts.
I continually add to several ongoing series of work with focused sub-themes that shine light on common threads connecting our human experiences: how we communicate stories, thoughts and feelings; what it means to be a couple; or the ways caregivers shape our lives, are a few examples. Humor and a somewhat cartoonish style are purposeful devices I use to make prickly subjects more approachable, and viewers more receptive to the thought-provoking aspects of my artwork.
I feel that my paintings have social value to offer in being seen; enjoyed; and contemplated. Rather than presenting a single personal viewpoint on communication issues, I endeavor to present ‘big picture’ perspectives. We all fail at connecting to people in some ways and succeed in others because relating to each other is a complex, multi-faceted exercise: many things can go wrong on both sides of the exchange. Its important to keep trying, to be patient, and to make an effort to empathize. That is my covert or overt message, lurking beneath playful layers of paint.