Women in Art 278 Magazine July 2015 | Page 18

American artist Evie Zimmer Abstract Oil Painting I have always been an artist. I think I was born that way. As early as I can remember I have been drawing and painting. It was a comfort during a difficult childhood and my quiet meditation now. My early work focused on portraits of loved ones and gradually evolved into colorful abstracted faces. From that, my work matured into a visual expression of the non-visual; music, energy, thoughts, and emotion. Although I have experimented with many mediums, I prefer the vibrancy and versatility of oil paint. It allows me to make smooth gradations as well as hard edges. Scale is also very important. I believe the large size of my paintings allows the viewer to feel enveloped by the work. I am very meticulous and meditative in my process. Similar to the creation of sand mandalas by the Buddhists, I express my gratitude and sincere appreciation for life and love while I work. New ideas blossom from this reactionary process where I try to balance the polarity of nature and the human experience; often combining geometric patterns with organic shapes and cool colors with warm. My influences are simple, Op Art. I love it. Although I adore all forms of art, I always find myself standing in front of a Vasarely or an Anuszkiewicz painting much longer than any other. The vivid colors, intricate designs, and visual energy are mesmerizing.