In this series, the abstract compositions have large open spaces in the middle of the picture plane. Aware of the need for quiet and rest, these pieces offer visual resting spaces. Caroline is thinking in particular of the people who have worked during the pandemic in healthcare, sanitation and public-facing jobs. Additionally, the open spaces are inspired by her own need for "head space" when working creatively. The empty spaces in the paintings actually have subtle lines and shifts in color. Anyone attempting to work creatively or to innovate, as scientists and researchers are today, need the intellectual space to make subtle connections in their work. The series is titled "Alchemy Quartets" for the combination of chemistry and creative magic that we will call upon to survive our current situation.

The neighborhood series is distinguished by a greater sense of abstraction as well as the use of symbolic forms. The houses, trees and boats are sometimes simplified into childish representations (lollipop trees, flat house shapes).

Work created for the 2 person show August 2023.

Works created for "Slack Tide" the show at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath Maine. July 2 - August 7.

These pictures include text, symbols and loose mark making. Influences on this body of work include John Cage, Squeak Carnwath, Phillip Guston and Austin Kleon. Books that have informed the ideas include "The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain" by Annie Murphy Paul (From which I've stolen the title), "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain", by Lisa Feldman Barrett; "Ways of Being", by James Bridle, "The Matter with Things", by Iain McGilchrist; as well as books on meditation and natural history.

© Caroline Rufo

Boats, Tractors, Industrial Stuff, etc...