Artist Statement

My work is inspired by my observations of the natural world whether through travel or simply looking outside my back door. Using pastels, I capture a simple scene and transcend the ordinary into a work of vibrant beauty with spiritual dimension. My attention is given to a strong sense of light and an intense richness of color. I strive for my work to evoke a feeling of balance and harmony.

I love using pastels. I feel they are a direct connection from my body to the paper. I use my figures as a tool to blend vibrant pigment and create endless tones of color. I start each piece by blocking and building layers of color in the dark areas and working toward the lightest tones and highlights. I am always amazed at the versatility of using pastels. With the ease of an erasure or rub off you can change color, value or form.

I have been involved in art for as long as I can remember. From kindergarten paintings of the solar system to endless hours of studying the master artist's drawings, creating was always part of my life. During college, my focus remained on fine art and the study of different medium. I also explored the world of commercial art and design. After college, I went to work for an advertising agency in New York City. My career expanded in the areas of design and print production. At the same time, together with my husband started what is now a successful, nationally known greeting card company, MixedBlessing which focuses on holiday cards celebrating multicultural and religious diversity. I design all the cards for the line.

I am passionate about being creative and enjoying the process, in my everyday life. My pastels paintings are a reflection of my life in harmony.

This video is the combined efforts of my husband, Phil's original music and my pastel work.
We hope you enjoy the relaxing and peaceful feeling we intended to create for you.
The paintings and limited edition prints are for sale. Original music, 'Footprints In Time" ©2010 was composed and produced by Phil Okrend, musician and certified life coach.
www.steppingstonescoaching.com
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/PhilOkrend
www.myspace.com/philokrend

Education

State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art and Graphic Art, 1982

Exhibitions

Herb Young Community Center, Cary,September-November 2010

UNC Women's Hospital Information Center, Raleigh, August 2010

Port City Java, Raleigh,June-July 2010

Duke Raleigh Hospital, Raleigh, March-May 2010

The Carter Building, Studio#28, Raleigh, April 2009-March2010

The Rosenzweig Gallery, Juried Show, April-June 2009
The Barewall Gallery, Raleigh, February 2009-March 2009
Margaux’s, Raleigh, NC, February 2009-March 2009
Sunflower Gallery, Wake Forest, NC, January 2009
Zely & Ritz, Raleigh, NC, November-December 2008
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, Raleigh, NC, April 2008
Capital City Club, Raleigh, NC, August-September 2007
Garden Salon, Durham, NC, June-July 2007
Archer Graphics, Carrboro, NC, April 2007

Permanent Collections

Duke Raleigh Hospital, Pre-Op Surgical Area

Published Works

MixedBlessing, Greeting card art, Nominated for Louie Award, Present
Emergence, A Meditative Journey Through the Seasons, CD Cover Art, October 2007
Dinner Notes CD Cover Art, 2000

Professional Affiliations

The Pastel Society of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
Chix in Business, Raleigh, NC