Statement

My work explores a somatic vocabulary of biomorphic forms evocative of the female body. Bulbous, sensual, and whimsical shapes reference Art Nouveau, sixties psychedelia and early Modernism. Vignettes appear, from the erotic or sensual, to the mundane or comic. The connection of symmetry to the human body and its power to evoke an iconic sense of space are ongoing investigations.

Symmetry resonates with me due to its association with sacred art. It also serves to contain the high energy of the color and arabesque forms; providing a needed balance. Historically symmetry represented an ideal of beauty. My work engages subtle elements that depart from perfect symmetry in exchange for unpredictability.

Crisp contours are painted, freehand, into lush, flat surfaces that suggest spatial ambiguities. Unmodulated surfaces of saturated jewel color contrast to vertical pours. The pours resemble flowing tributaries; they envelop shapes and flow freely on passages of color. The synthetic palette of sulphurous yellow, neon orange and iridescent greys find counterparts in earthy greens, violets and reds oxides.

Images from observation, memory and the history of art serve as the source material for my painting. My work considers natural forms as well as digital imagery from our ubiquitous screens. I embrace the visual power of these two worlds and their combined effect has left a lasting impact on my art.

Bio

Diane Novetsky is an abstract painter who uses bold, saturated colors and biomorphic forms evocative of the female body. She is a former graphic designer and business owner of Nova Design, as well as a longtime painting instructor. Her work has been widely shown throughout the region including Artspace Maynard, the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, Galatea Fine Arts, Danforth Museum of Art, Tufts University Aidekman Gallery and the Boston Convention Center. Diane’s work has been published in Artscope, Art New England, the Boston Globe and Boston Voyager. She received her BA from Wayne State University, Detroit, and her MFA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She resides in Somerville MA and is a founding member of the Brickbottom Artists Community. Diane works out of the Vernon Street Studios in Somerville.