Alexandra Stoenescu

Artist Statement

My most recent work still reflects my fascination with the square canvas, as this most well-balanced of shapes, (in my view), keeps me engaged. Subjects such as composition, still life or portraiture are for me, mere pretexts for painting.

My technique involves the use of oil based paint on cotton canvas in a rather traditional style. Nonetheless, I seldom resort to preliminary sketches. Departures from this norm, account for my many spontaneous interventions (i.e. editing or otherwise altering my original images) directly on canvas, as my pictorial demands evolve.
I find my inspiration in the classical art and architecture of the Greco-Roman period often filtered through works such as those signed by de Chirico; among the many other noteworthy artists that influence me are: Giotto, Piero della Francesca, Jackson Pollock or Mark Rothko, to name just a few.

My intent is to transfigure apparently unassuming objects, or characters, into subjects worthy of being experienced as fine art.
Admittedly, I experience a certain reluctance in writing this statement, as I attempt deferring to my artwork to “speak” on my behalf.
Therefore, I am curious about my viewers’ own unaided perception or input, should I be as fortunate as to elicit a response.
When I am not interpreting or simply reacting to my surroundings, I find myself turning inwardly, and relying on memory. In so doing, I am captivated by what persists versus what is fleeting. This dichotomy is one such example of what keeps me “pushing paint.”