I saw something cool, let me tell you about it...
A few weekends ago I stopped by the newly spiffed up and spit polished Community Gallery at the Arts Council building on Laurel Street. I was lured by the promise of fresh, juicy work by painter Elise Toups.
Something I really love about Elise's work is the bright, hot, vitamin C, frenzied, energy that grabs you and pulls you into the work. Her lines vibrate your mind but you are not overwhelmed with that blast of intensity because of her tight rein on color balance. Bright hues are held in check by her use of muted greys, whites and cool tones.
This complexity is a tribute to her understanding of how colors work together. If these were purely neon light, I might get tired of looking at them, kind of like the hot pink socks and neon green sweatshirts that were the rage of 1980's high school fashion plates. If they were simple moody moderation, perhaps the viewer would just feel tired. The visual conversation Toups creates between the two extremes is witty, pithy and intriguing.
Have you seen something recently that you loved or loathed? Let’s talk about it. Artists need feedback! Sure you can talk to yourself about stuff, I am really good at it that, but folks look at you funny, and as delightful as scaring sheep-people is, maybe we’d better talk to each other…
What-cha’ got?
Love,
your pal Malia K.
