These abstract paintings have their origins in nature-specifically, shapes found in roots, driftwood or shells. The paintings are a result of a continuous ‘drawing’ process that builds, layer after layer, with differing thicknesses of paint as I follow a ‘visual trail’ through the motif.

I improvise on the original shape to explore color relationships, scale of shapes and variations in line and mass.  The ‘voice’ of the materials is extremely important in this work-the contrast of thin or scraped away paint to paint that is thick and viscous, drips becoming lines.

Dominant in this work is gesture, movement and turbulence. The rhythms are meant to be a ‘stand in’ for the invisible forces, sensations and tensions that govern our consciousness.

Biography

Stephanie DeManuelle is a painter who lives and works in New York City. She currently serves as the Chair of the Fine Arts Department at FIT, where she has taught since 1983.

Stephanie shows regularly in New York City and in Keene Valley in the Adirondack mountains of New York State where she also maintains a studio.

Much of the inspiration for her organic abstractions is drawn from her exposure to the primeval forests of the Adirondacks, which has similar characteristics to the south Louisiana where she was raised and attended college.