Ansley Pye
San Diego, California
Prof. Artist for 34 years working in oil, varying subject matters, Abstract, Figurative, Still Life, Botanical. All work is for sale if not sold. No NFT's
Message
I am a native San Diegan but spent the first part of my adult life traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East. After attending La Sorbonne, I returned to San Diego. It was there where my life took a distinguishing turn. I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 29. Upon the realization that my life was never to be the same, I began my journey as a professional artist. I started out as a watercolorist and gradually was drawn towards working in oil.
My subject has always related to feminine shapes and forms both figuratively and in nature, to ordinary items, as well as to the imperfections that are the true source of beauty and uniqueness in all things. Another interest of mine has been the expression through color and the drama of large format images which has led me to explore the colorful abstract pieces in my abstract expression collection.
As I continue my artistic journey I blend both the organic shapes in nature and the beauty of the feminine form with vibrant colors and bold strokes to create an image that captivates the viewer. The lines, splatter, and geometric forms in my work add an abstraction that creates interest. These patterns are reflective of the experiences or the missed experiences we all have and how everything leaves a pattern on who we are.
I have always considered my art to be a continuing conversation with myself and the world around me, and to be an expression and exploration of what it is to be a woman. In my organic work, I used the shapes and forms to suggest feminine sexuality, and in my surreal works, I put forth the “Objet de Beaute” that we are and seen as. My figurative works are images about the variety of a woman’s form and features, the figurative with botanical combines two of my favorite subject matters and my abstracts explore the wonder of color.
ARTIST STATEMENT – ABSTRACT WORK
This work is created using pure paint with no medium utilizing a number of unconventional utensils like squeegees and spatulas, this allows for the accidents to happen organically and adds to the depth and dimension of the work.
Each painting creates an image reflecting the tapestry created by the experience of life. Each layer of color represents an event, a moment, an experience, or something we missed the experience of. My textural abstract work comes from an accumulation of years of exploring texture and color relationships. Each piece is comprised of layers of oil paint, using no medium and left to dry prior to the application of the next layer. I often sand down the layers as I see fit to bring out the depth of what is underneath.
These paintings are reflective of the many layers we all possess within the totality of being human. Each event, each tragedy, each joy leaves a mark or a layer if you will. This has been a theme throughout all of my various styles of artistic expression. The palette knife/squeegee work has a seemingly random happening that results in a beautiful tapestry of color, form, and shape.
FEMININE BOTAICAL – FIGURATIVE/PORTRAIT WORK
My inspirations come from the form and shape in nature I find reflective of the archetypal image of the feminine. In this relatively new series I have added the female form immersed in the leaves and vines that wrap and cross her torso as if a tattoo of the life around her or pattern across her face. I also include lines and grid patterns which are reflective of the patterns that are left on all of us individually, either by what has happened or (symbolized by the negative space) what has not.
BOTANICAL WORK , ABSTRACT BOTANICAL WORK
This body of work explores a relationship of derivative artwork and abstract artwork. Included in this collection are both abstract still life works and abstract botanical works. These pieces speak volumes about the ability to capture the essence of nature or an object with a unique blend of realism and abstraction. The interplay of colors and the sense of motion invite viewers to lose themselves in the beauty of the moment, making the works both visually striking and emotionally resonant. These paintings move from emotional to whimsical with the different subject matter. For me the artwork is a testament to the transformative power of color and form in conveying emotion, and it serves as a compelling example of contemporary art. Within these pieces, the paintings blend whimsy with bold abstraction to create a thought-provoking visual narrative.
Featured video's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-j7LpV0oWQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4JuSMYToFY
Profile on Fine Art America: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/ansley-pye
Article on SanDiegoNew.com: http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/7001051/article-PL-artist-finds-beauty-in-imperfection-on--off-canvas-?instance=update1
Statement
I spent the first half of my life studying abroad and traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East. Upon returning I searched to find what it was I was meant to do. In 1990 through the trials of an illness, I discovered my voice in art. In my works in oils on canvas, I explore the, sometimes, mundane world of nature, it’s imperfections and the process of change. I choose my subjects based on the beauty in the imperfect and find the unique and original in the torn or blemished and ordinary.
In my works in oils, I draw from my emotion, seek out the sensual shapes and color in nature to create a rich, even bordering on sexual image filled with beauty. My inspirations come from the details of nature, the simplicity of form and shape, ordinary items and the imperfections, and the process of change, as well as how they can and do symbolize the human condition.