Nature inspires abstract images

The abstract works of Joanne Gordin are on display in the Grace and Joseph Gorevin Fine Arts Gallery, located on the second floor of the Holy Spirit Library. Elements of nature serve as subjects for the pieces, which are vibrantly colored.

by Shanna Fanelli staff writer

Momentarily captured within the s o t Grace and Joseph Gorevin Fine Arts Galle dwell ao/Jo • •on of swirls, slashes and shapes in a ran ed nd bluey. Bold, intricate and demanding, these abstra colonies e the unique creations of artist Joanne Gordi Gordin, who has been painting for 20 ye,,....,_=....,eaching at Delaware Gounty Community College for five, confesses that much of the inspiration behind her art is derived from nature.

The subject of trees, whose slender branches and twiglike features could be recognized in such works as ''Through and Through," was a dominant muse.

''This is real abstraction," Diane Sheldon, arts and child development teacher, said.

The idea behind abstract art is that it does not offer one defined message that the artist wishes to portray with a brush stroke. It is a form of art that encourages its audience to derive and decipher their own meanings.

"I feel people tend to be intimidated by abstract because they think they're supposed to understand it," Gordin said. "But they don't have to understand to be able to appreciate colors and shapes."

It is with this belief that Gordin approaches an empty canvas. She admits that she is never really sure as to where an idea will take her, only that she allows herself to go with an emotion and "see where the painting will take you."

A selection from some of her recent works makes up the exhibit, which is located on the second floor of the Holy Spirit Library. The exhibit boasts an assortment of oil on canvas ranging in prices from $650 to $800. Nothing is held in reserve, as is evident in the work titled "Clasp," which has shocking pinks married to bold reds.

A main theme of one solid object poised in the middle of a painting resonates in all of Gordin's works, the exception being a piece called, "All Wound Up," where the main shape lingers on the edge of the painting.

Gordin, who communicates with shapes and colors, also pays special attention to the usage of texture.

This is especially evident in, "Parthenogenesis," where once again the mood of nature influences a piece which is titled after asexual reproduction.

"It's very interesting," Dr. Adeline Bethany, fine arts department chair, said.

So interesting, in fact, that it would be a sad loss for the Cabrini community to not take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Hopefully, the depth and emotion that is reflected in each of Gordin's works will be mirrored by those who take the initiative to enjoy the abstract display before it is too late. The exhibit, presented by the Fine Arts Department, will be on display until Sunday, Dec. 13.

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