ARTISTIC STATEMENT
The line between humor and pity is thin. It is the humor, and at times the ridiculous, that inspires, and surfaces in my work. Themes are revolving around the choices that I see people make, I depict an obscenely drawn-out "fleeting" moment. The substance of the character emerges from internal peace or disarray to utter indifference and self-absorption. The imagery is not shy of the grotesque or satirical exaggerations. The scenes are erected from memory, imagination, idealization and illusion. In my painting process, I rely on the organic dialogue between the paint as the matter and my instinct as the guiding force. Abstractions in the details are responsible for the painting’s vibrant presence.
BIOGRAPHY
My life in art began growing up next to my mother’s loom in Budapest, Hungary. In tapestry weaving, new colors are achieved by mixing different yarns into one string. This method left an imprint on me in the way that I use colors and texture. The treatment of the surface is the soul of the expressions of my paintings.
I received my formal studio training at Studio '91, led by Rita Kopek, in Budapest. An art scholarship took me to the United States in 1994. While earning my B.A. in Art and Theater, I studied fiber art at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Ever since then I share my time between the United States and Hungary.
I directed my focus to painting in 1999, when I devised a five-year plan. I dedicated those years to finding my ‘voice’ as a painter. My paintings are of people I observe. In my earlier paintings I was painting portraits of emotions and expression using the female form as my vessel. My fascination with the inner expression grew outward, and I became interested in the choices that people make, recognizing the distinctions in body posture and clothing that make a character.
Along with producing new work, I relentlessly seek opportunities to share that work with the public. My works have been exhibited in the United States, Hungary and Italy, in both solo and group shows.
Currently I am developing a series featuring a fictional character, "Irma May." This series required me to seek a new, multi media expression of graphite drawing with acrylic on paper.