Jillian Schley: Residual Memory

Jan. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- MEDIA CONTACT:
Sally Russell | 602-717-3908 |  thegallery@artlinkphoenix.com

GALLERY INFORMATION:
Artlink A. E. England Gallery
424 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
http://artlinkphoenix.com/about/artlink-gallery | 602-717-3908

A. E. ENGLAND GALLERY PRESENTS:

Jillian Schley: Residual Memory

February 1st  – February 17th, 2013

Opening Reception: February 1st, 6-10 PM

Closing Reception: February 15th , 6-9 PM

This February A. E. England Gallery presents the recent work of Jillian Schley. In her abstract series, Residual Memory, Jillian Schley uses an unusual technique to encapsulate the materials in the world around her. Schley’s pieces are made from the unpredictable interaction between the natural materials she chooses with the inks she pours over those materials. Instead of being able to create with direct intention, Schley often finds herself experimenting and responding to what naturally occurs in her pieces. Schley removes the original materials from the final pieces so the only evidence of the interaction between artist and materials is the final indefinite image.

Her work reminds us of the potential for chaos in our world and the fragility of our memories.

image: Jillian Schley, Unknown Depth, Ink on drafting film, 24" x 18"

Artist Statement

This series, Residual Memory, was developed over the last year. In creating each painting, I aim to capture a type of tangible memory and passage of time. Using natural materials, I form impressions around which patterns emerge. Once the materials are discarded, there remains evidence of its previous state.

There is interplay between control and lack of control that I emphasize with this media, as well as an undertone of experimentation. The process involved with the creation of these pieces includes pouring, painting, and drawing. The translucency of the drafting film allows me to work on the front or the back of the substrate. At times, the natural patterns that occur during the evaporation process determine the trajectory of the work. At other times, I am decisive and take control to achieve a specific outcome. I enjoy navigating between predictability and unpredictability; in this way, the process becomes integrated with intention and purpose. This balancing act underscores my perception of interacting with the natural world, and is a recurring element in my work.

Pools of ink become small river systems and lakes on the surface of drafting film. I make a deposit of ink only to be surprised at the pattern of dispersion across the plastic surface. Oftentimes, I feel as though I am trying to capture an account of the process of creation and destruction. Things coming into being are solidified or break apart. Something, at first glance, may begin to take shape; but upon further inspection it disintegrates into abstraction. What is left behind is an account of these interactions.