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Although Ellyn Weiss's works are
abstract, they seem somehow familiar to us. Dense layers of bold
colors in overlapping abstract shapes seem to morph into
recognizable forms and then quickly fade back into abstraction
as our eyes scan the works. They are like looking at clouds.
They evade our attempts at specific interpretation. At the right
moment and from the right angle, we spot something definite,
only to have the object disappear with a shift in time or
perspective.
Ellyn's compositions generally do not start as drawings. The
artist frequently begins with handwriting on paper, sometimes
legible, sometimes freeform, that reflects her perception of the
world around her at the moment. She then begins to draw, using
the handwriting as a guide. Subsequent layers of drawing and
writing obscure earlier layers, which reveal themselves at
moments like a palimpsest. The numerous layers of mixed pastels
and oil stick create works of uncommon depth. Time and space are
collapsed.
Weiss most admires artwork that communicates directly with the
viewer, without the need for rigid interpretation. Perhaps this
explains our own difficulty in interpreting her work. It is
meant to be somewhat inscrutable. It conveys emotion without the
encumbrance of particular meaning. It bypasses the brain and
speaks straight to our hearts.
Weiss received a BA from Smith College and a JD from Boston
University School of Law. She studied at the Corcoran School in
Washington DC and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA.
She resides in Bethesda, MD. She has participated in both solo
and group exhibitions in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and
Kentucky. Among other honors, Weiss was awarded the Special
Purchase Award by the District of Columbia Commission on the
Arts and Humanities in both 1999 and 2003.
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Not My Son 2
(2006) |
14 x 14
monoprint with drypoint and chine collé |
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Take Me
(2006) |
14 x 14
monoprint |
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Two Lost
(2006) |
14 x 14
monoprint with drypoint and chine collé |
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