Sal Brownfield ... An Artist Statement

Art is a verb as well as a noun, something that happens. Painting is a way to investigate the improbable life of human beings, to understand more of my journey. The passion in my art comes from the mystery of "why, what, and how" experienced in a constantly changing world.

It is a bold thing to make art. I cannot go into it tentatively. Wavering reveals itself.

Painting is a process of solving problems. As the work proceeds, options diminish and I become committed to a solution. I spend my days making choices that fulfill the intention of the work. As new problems are created and resolved my commitment grows stronger. My work contains a blending of eastern philosophy regarding the use of material and western notions of the depiction of things by material.

In the end, the question about any art is simply "Why should we look at it? What is it for?" For me it is about verification of our common experiences. Art is healing, non-clinical, spiritual. It provides balance and reflection in a time when we are inundated with snap images.

At twenty I felt my art belonged to me. At forty, that I deserved ownership of it. At sixty it belongs to everyone. I hope that someone viewing my work in two hundred years will experience themselves more human.

Sal Brownfield 2004