Marilyn Fox

Artist Statement

Marilyn Fox Artist Statement 03.09.2024
Primarily, art consists of nonobjective paintings on paper or stretched canvas. I use acrylic and sometimes mixed media. I start with large gestural strokes on my surface. It’s much like writing the first line of a poem. From that point, I built layers of paint, often scratching into the surface to reveal layers below. I continually add marks until the surface reveals itself and points me in a certain direction. Color and markmaking are the subject in my art.
Recently, I have defined my work with loose and gestural florals. This guides my work into a new direction. This new direction adds a new breadth, and only adds more naturalness to my art.
Although I call them nonobjective paintings, there is often a connection in my work to certain concepts, such as nature, culture, and contemporary issues; these concepts are not expressed literally. They are expressed only in as much as these ideas turn over in my mind while working.
As I continue to work on my art, I often engage in experimentation. This could be collaging an old drawing, print, or paper onto the work. I enjoy adding something unexpected, even to create a tension in the surface. For me, this tension keeps the art dynamic and interesting.
My paintings are meant to be lived with. Color, form, and engagement are my priorities.