SANTA ROSA, Calif. (PRWEB) April 24, 2018 -- Local artist Corrine Haverinen’s solo show of recent paintings will be on display for the month of June at Backstreet Studios in the South of A Street (SOFA) arts district of downtown Santa Rosa. The show opens on Friday, June 1, coinciding with the First Friday Art Walk in the SOFA district, where all studios open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Haverinen’s work was initially influenced by the Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock. She remembers being mesmerized by Pollock’s paintings, where flowing lines capture the chaos and order of nature. In the late 70s, she found that line work was her strong suit and began studying traditional Chinese and Japanese painting. Drawing on that inspiration, she started to experiment, painting with ink on traditional rice papers, sometimes called washi, or mulberry papers.
“The absorbency of the paper and its varying responses to my ink lines cause me to be more present and spontaneous; the lines show my pauses, confidence, and a combination of delicate and bold strokes,” says Haverinen. “Working with these materials keeps me honest, more in the moment, and provides a clear path to my personal expression.”
Haverinen gravitated to trees, especially bare trees, as subjects because of their expressive lines. Although most often bare, the trees are far from lifeless. Set as silhouettes against backgrounds that vary from colorful to muted, the reaching, curling branches contrast with their surroundings to create a hypnotic/dreamlike interplay—as if one is drinking in the other.
Great care is taken to pay homage to the paper itself. Once the line work is complete and color has been added, Haverinen will often glue the paper on canvas using a matte medium. During this process, incredible texture emerges along with further alchemy between the ink and matte medium or paper.
“What fascinates me is how the ink is constantly reacting to different materials,” says Haverinen. “It pushes me to find ways to make it work—ways that make the soul of what I’m trying to put into the piece reveal itself in a natural, organic way.”
Recent Works by Corrine Haverinen
Exhibition runs June 1 – June 29
Artist’s Reception on June 8, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Backstreet Studios
312 South A Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Studio Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and by appointment.
Nicole Cruz, +1 510-734-6317, [email protected]
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