“Bluelicious”, metal wall art, enamel on aluminum, mounted on wood panel, 25″ x 41″

Paula Gibbs’ Artist Statement

It is difficult to describe the how, what and why of my art in a couple of paragraphs. Not because it is so incredibly special but because I work in metal (aluminum), acrylic on canvas, and then there are my colorful Wall of Color wall sculptures, which are multi-panel installations.

For my metal art I have been able to create my own original processes to create surfaces you rarely (never?) see on aluminum. For example, one process gives the aluminum a “patina”, which aluminum typically does not develop. Another process creates areas where layers of paint are exposed. Working with the metal is very physical. It takes days to complete the many steps to create a finished piece.

My Wall of Color installations consist of several mini monochromatic abstract landscapes. I created this line to be completely customizable in the number of panels, color, overall shape of the design, even the size of the individual panels. I kept the individual panel design simple as not to detract from the interest of colorful three-dimensional presence of the installation.

Finally, my abstract canvas painting, it is the source of my inner struggle. I have created several paintings, yet still have not found that style I can all my own. It is frustrating me to no end.  I want to be able to work on canvas as a break from the ridged and physical side of metal. I keep pushing forward expecting to reach my goal of my own individual style.