Feature Image: “Morning Fog” © Susan Ruscetti
abstraction
noun
ab·strac·tion:
: the act or process of abstracting : the state of being abstracted : an abstract idea or term
: absence of mind or preoccupation
: abstract quality or character
: an abstract composition or creation in art
: abstractionism
Would this dictionary definition define our Women in Abstraction? I believe there is more to it than this definition. With a casual conversation at our second Meet the Members presentation at Art Intersection, Susan Ruscetti, Sarah Curley, and Ann Newman presented and talked about their past and current work. They described what they do and why they do it, leaving us with a greater appreciation and understanding of the abstract art form.
“Emerald Haze” © Susan Ruscetti
Susan has been shooting abstract images since the 1980s. Beginning in 2017, she started creating images with Intentional Camera Motion (ICM). This technique allows her to “paint with the camera,” evoking the qualities of the abstract artists she most admires. During our evening conversation, Susan discussed her process and subject choices. See more of her work at Susan Rae Imagery.
“Wonder Around” © Sarah Curley
For over a decade, Sarah Curley has been creating cyanotype images on silk or paper. Over the years, she found that her silk images took on a dark, murky ocean feel. By photographing the images that were located in the corners of the silk, she began a project focusing on grief and the emotions surrounding it. She later added other media to the photographs to reflect the joy and hope that one eventually feels after acknowledging and accepting grief. Her completed project may be found at Sarah Curley Fine Art. She currently layers digital negatives and found objects on paper, adding watercolor, pastels, or colored pencil to the abstract images. She also adds embroidery to abstract silk images created from the cyanotype process.
“Elephant in the Room” © Ann Newman
Ann Newman bought a digital camera about seven years ago quite naively. Quickly, she realized that her photography gravitated toward patterns, textures, shapes, and details. As a writer, she discovered symbolism in intimate scenes and began using her photographs as imaginative writing prompts. For her, the appeal of abstract photography is the engagement in connecting deeply to thoughts and feelings. Viewing abstract art slows us down and allows an appreciation of what is in this present moment. Abstracts can open our perspective, encourage creativity, and foster empathy and optimism. Photos do not always have to portray reality. Nor does life have to be perfect for us to feel joy. Her abstract images and words pair up at Annstracts.
Dennis Collins
Contributing Writer
Dennis L. Collins has over 30 years experience as a corporate photographer and has a BFA from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. His focus was on alternative process during his undergraduate studies. His interest lies in the timeless beauty of carbon printing being used by contemporary artists for modern images. Carbon printing is a particularly difficult and rare process that Dennis has painstakingly embraced; he is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others in hopes that this art form will continue. When he’s not in the darkroom, Dennis enjoys spending time with his family as well as volunteering at Art Intersection (Gilbert, Arizona) and Infinity Hospice.
Contact Dennis