Nancy Paul: Time/Lines

Summer (Sleeping Medusa) by Nancy Paul,  Oil, acrylic, conte, 29 x 43" 1980-2020 

Despite overwhelming evidence of crises
from climate change to social injustice to pandemic

Longing by Nancy Paul,  acrylic and graphite on paper, mounted onto birch panel, 9 x 12 inches, 2020

many governments around the world seem unable/unwilling to act
even as democracy is under threat and truth-telling stifled.

Setting by Nancy Paul, acrylic and graphic on paper, mounted on birch panel, 14 x18", 2020

 Individuals feel powerless to effect change.

The Dreamer by Nancy Paul, acrylic and graphite mounted on birch panel, 2020

As Shakespear's Lear knows,
the naked body is an enduring symbol of human vulnerability and helplessness.

Sitting Back by Nancy Paul, acrylic and graphite on paper, 12 x 16 inches, 2020

It can also, however, represent beauty, grace, and love;
an aesthetic of salvation.

Slowing Down by Nancy Paul, graphic on paper mounted on birch panel, 10 x 12 inches, 2020

The nude for me is at once surrogate seeker of truth and object of scrutiny.
In my work the female figure is both self and other;
she represents communication and compassion.

Green World (Arden Spring) by Nancy Paul  acrylic, graphic, ink on canvas, 28 x 32" 2019

"Time/Lines" is about our search for understanding.

Nereids Endangered by Nancy Paul, Acrylic, graphite, Japanese Paper on canvas, 16 x 20 inches, 2018

In 'Time' large figures lie wrapped in uncertainty while a tiny pair of Nereids explore distant lands and seas; inconspicious, they exemplify the humility needed to connect.

Life Lines/Sky Lines (I, II, III) by Nancy Paul,
acrylic and graphic on paper mounted on birch panel, triptych, each part 12 x 16 x 1.5 inches  2020

"Lines" celebrates gesture drawings done from life,quick sketches done before longer poses, they have the vitality, purpose, and direction to inspire us now.

Fall by Nancy Paul, Oil on Canvas, 1980, 24" x 36"

All images and text in this post are by Nancy Paul
from her exhibition at Art Noise Gallery,
Kingston Ontario Canada