Fran Beard
The Structure of Being
March 11 - April 22, 2023
Opening reception: Saturday, March 11, 5-7pm
Evening with the Artist: Thursday, March 23, 6-7:30
Fran Beard’s abstract work consisting of line, color and shape - both amorphous and hard edge is deeply influenced by the energy and movement she feels while listening to music. Each painting reflects her response to the ever changing world around us.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My life as a child was very much informed by artistic activities. Of equal importance were dance, music and visual art. I remember going from one lesson to the next and looking forward to each session. My oldest sister was someone to follow in that regard as she became a wonderful artist. My interest in playing the violin, modern dance and choreography waned when I was in college and since then painting has usurped all my other creative loves. Except for music which is the guiding energy that seems to move my hand magically while I paint. Music helps connect me to the ever- present energy that is life. It moves me through psychic space and in turn my hand draws the line and pushes the color through pictorial space. This confluence of events collide in my mind, heart and hand to create each painting. Each piece is a record- a visual lived experience on canvas.
Acrylic is the medium that allows me the spontaneity necessary to move quickly with not much concern for drying time. My choice of color is intuitive and varies with each piece. Within each piece there are entrances and exits- doors and windows, wheels and carousels. Each allowing a way through or around. Never remaining static. There are no fixed or absolute barriers as each painting reflects my response not only to my inner world but also to an ever changing and challenging world around us.
My hope is the viewer might walk away feeling a release of constraint and joy. And a knowing that there are infinite directions to get to the desired place.
