by Mary-Jo Lough
Why abstract art? I have been asked this question numerous times and until recently I didn’t know how to answer. I have spent time reflecting on what draws me to abstract art and I think I have mostly figured it out.
As a teen, the freedom that abstract art offered was magnetic. Both creating and viewing it offered me a world of expanse that I couldn’t find in representative art. The fact that each person can interpret the same artwork in a totally different way intrigued me. The viewer is not given or directly told the subject matter, i.e., here is a mountain, here is a person’s face. The viewer’s interpretation is unrestrained by traditional form and entirely their own.
This leads directly to the main reason why I have always loved working within abstract art. There is no box I had to stay inside of. It felt as though there was an absence of failure, I could colour outside the lines, so to speak, and that was even encouraged. Working in non-representational abstract art gave me the feeling of being unrestricted, which was a breath of fresh air for me. I was a very hyper ADHD child, and as such, I felt a constant obligation to control, subdue, and bridle my energy and my true self. I did this to conform to the expectations of others and avoid annoying or upsetting those around me. However, within abstract art I could completely express myself, my full energy, and my unique ideas. In this environment, my divergent thinking, impulsivity, and energy led to success rather than disappointment from others. It was exceptionally affirming to have a true part of me accepted and praised by people I respected and wanted to connect with.
I understand now that my artistic process is a form of problem-solving. In many facets of my life, I am most excited and engaged when challenged with resolving problems and finding workarounds or new processes to achieve a goal in the most efficient way. Although my art process isn’t efficient (my work takes a long time to complete), to me it is an aesthetic challenge. My first step is to create a foundational composition through multiple layers of paint. Once I am happy with the balance, depth, and form, I will begin to lay in the pattern, and this is where the problem-solving comes in. My work is firmly based on intuition; therefore, these pieces are not planned out ahead of time. My challenge is to take a multi-colour, very busy base, and calm the chaos by adding in detail and pattern. Additionally, while doing this I need to maintain balance within the composition and colour placement, create a new layer that moves the eye around the canvas, and tells a story. For me, this process is invigorating and presents an opportunity for unique problem-solving, divergent thinking, and workarounds. The fact that there is no map or blueprint to follow can make this endeavor quite intimidating; however, this in and of itself, makes figuring out the puzzle that much more stimulating and satisfying.
This may not be specific to abstract art, and I am absolutely certain it is not specific to me, but when I am being creative my mind empties, and I can be 100% present. It’s the only time my busy overactive and overstimulated brain has silence and peace. I feel the most grounded, sure of who I am and what my purpose is when I am in my studio creating.
I believe that if I had to define why I love abstract art in a single word, it would be liberation. Abstract art affords me the freedom to unmask and step outside of societally imposed boundaries and fully express myself through my creativity. The liberation abstract art grants me fills my soul, grounds me, and allows me to communicate authentically with the world; how could I not be drawn to it over and over again?
