Glenn F Gates: Abstract Expression

To me, abstraction is giving the formal art elements, such as line, texture, and color, precedence over content.  I am more interested in deconstructing reality and in exploring how structure and order give way and coexist with freedom, spontaneity and spirituality.

 

I work primarily with acrylic on a hard support, such as birch plywood.  My work usually includes other media, such as collage, inks, enamels, oil pigments, and found materials. I like working on a hard support, because my process involves physical manipulation, such as scraping and sanding.  My paintings start with an idea, a concept, a path; however, at some point, the painting takes over - that is when I leave the structure behind, and proceed with my intuition.