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Nancy Simonds Shaw

Nancy Simonds Shaw

I make small and large-scale abstract gouache paintings and collages on paper. In each of my BLOCK STACK, OVOID, COLOR SHARD and CROPPED OVOID SERIES different arrangements of blocks, ovals and colors create a feeling of transcendent order. These images are anti-chaos. In each piece I strive for a connection to a moment for reflection, a moment of resolution and calm. My gouache works feature luxuriant protean color and are infused with sublime soft texture. I want to generate visual places, points of departure for states of serenity and contemplation. My stack paintings spring from a longstanding interest in building materials and architectural elements that include bricks, concrete blocks, window openings and doorways.

Formerly, I did still life painting in oils. I found that I was really not interested in objects per se but I was more intrigued with shape and color relationships and the emotive qualities I could make with many different arrangements therein. I use gouache paint on Reeves printmaking paper, achieving a translucency and depth of color; I blot and dab myriad hues to create complex and delicate surfaces. I love the matt surface of gouache paint. It is the thrill of potential in each new piece that keeps me exploring in the studio.