ABSTRACT ATTITUDE
PATRICIA HK ZALISKO
OPENING 6—9  p.m. Jan. 20; Closes Feb. 26, 2012

Lake Eustis Museum of Art starts the new year with “Abstract Attitude” a solo exhibit by Port Orange artist Patricia HK Zalisko. The exhibit opens at 200 B East Orange Ave., Eustis with an artist talk between 6 – 9 p.m. Jan. 20 and closes Feb. 25. Zalisko’s art is the primary focus of the museum’s ArtEscapade, a free United Arts ArtsFest family event from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Feb. 5.

Zalisko’s vibrant, compelling abstract paintings recall textures of the outside world, explore relationships between forms and document the icons of life to evoke powerful memories and perceptions.

“My objective is to produce art that will blow me away, says retired lawyer, Zalisko. “It’s a continual challenge. I often work back into my paintings because I want to refine them or even obliterate them when they do not produce that personal reaction. But once in awhile, I nail it.”

Zalisko commands the painter’s brush with zeal to emerge strong on the Florida and national visual art scene since 2007. She started young and at age two drew on the wall above her crib, with her family appreciating her ‘art,’ and leaving it there awhile. Her mother and grandmother soon introduced her to the art of Ukrainian women, written-wax, batik Easter eggs of colorful, folk designs.

“The art of making ‘pysanky’ with melted wax and ancient icons is a spiritual and distinctly feminist art form that has endured for more than 1,000 years,” Zalisko says. “Its pagan roots have influenced and enveloped me since those early years.
 
“To the extent that I am creating certain marks and symbols, (a) body of work is unique to me and my hand,” she adds. “I recognize that I belong to a certain ‘tribe’ of artists whom I admire, like Twombly, Klee and Gorky. But I do think that as I mature and work and pursue my objectives, my body of work is distinctive.”

Clearly, Zalisko is influenced by the Abstract Expressionist always trying to capture the essence of things. “But I am also touched by the sensitivity of old masters like Matisse, Rembrandt, da Vinci, Caravaggio and Dore,” she says. If she could be a work of art, she would be a de Kooning woman, “filled with motion, intensity, emotion; exposed for what I was.”

On life and art, she feels, “It all works out in the end. It’s just that simple. My art comes from a place that’s visceral; recalling, exploring, recording thoughts and responses to poignant events. My process is best described as anoesis, a state of mind consisting of pure sensation, experience or emotion without cognitive content.

“Often I am moved by a major event, like 9-11. Once that is in place, I translate those thoughts onto canvas. Always, I let my mind go to that ‘zone’ when I paint and draw. I allow powerful perceptions or memories to bubble up.”

For more information call 352-483-2900. LEMA is open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and noon – 4 p.m. weekends. Non-member adults donate $5 per visit. 

DANCING WITH LIGHT

BARBARA TIFFANY

March 2 opening artist talk, 6 - 9 p.m.

March 4, free expanded artist talk 1 - 3 p.m.

Closes April 8, 2012

With awe and wonder Barbara Tiffany explores in surreal and hyper-real the complex and simple in nature with oil on canvas, as long as there is light. A masterful painter, mentored by the revered master Maury Hurt, an alumni of Andre Smith's famous 20th century Research Studio in Maitland, Fla., Tiffany is inspired to explore the subject before her seeking all that light reveals of the natural world. Often, her renderings are more real than the real subject as her brush dances with light and paint to craft a love note to art and nature. Her work is widely revered, exhibited and collected and she is a highly skilled art teacher.

An artist talk is scheduled during the March 2, 6 p.m. - 9 opening. Tiffany returns Sunday March 4 for a free, expanded artist talk from 1 - 3 p.m. Her work will also be exhibited during the $25 - $30 ticketed VIIth Annual Wine-A-Fare at LEMA March 15, 5:30 - 9 p.m. The Wine-A-Fare is the art museum's major source of funds. For information, call 352-483-2900.