Alison Ruzsa

Statement                                                                                   Spring 2003

For the past several years my focus has been the use of glass as a means for visual expression. I have concentrated on solid, off hand, sculptural work, experimenting with painted inclusions within each layer of glass. Through this exploration I have become fascinated by the optical illusions created by this technique and the challenge of combining the two-dimensional image with a three-dimensional form. The optics of glass create a surrealistic environment in which the paintings seem to move and change when viewed from different angles.

I enjoy working with the human form, and the information expressed by gestured qualities and movements. Beginning with the black silhouette and a simple round form, I experimented with how the paintings interacted in the space of the glass. Over the years the forms have evolved to create specific environments while trying to capture more subtle gestures, introducing color and detail along the way. I want to create a world with many perspectives; a painting that can be seen from many points of view. As I paint, I am constantly turning the piece to see how the images on each layer interact with one and other and determining how they will fit into the final shape of the piece. Often the outer forms have taken an architectural format and the outside is sandblasted to create voyeuristic spaces. Others have taken the form of large lenses offering a more open view while playing with the inherent qualities of the lens to enlarge and distort the paintings as one moves around the sculpture. The imagery in combination with final form's effects on that imagery continues to inspire my investigation.

I enjoy the idea of creating a painting which can be looked at from more than one point of view. With each turn one discovers a different aspect of the picture. It reminds me that there is always more than one way to look at life. The process is a journey for me as I discover and incorporate the images through the layers of glass.