Ruth Oppenheim - Original Art
I explore ways of mark making through drawing and painting. I am interested in colour and texture. In addition to brushes and spatulas, I use my fingers to apply paint to canvas. It is in uncovering different layers that magic happens and it is the unexpected surprise that interests me. I then can choose what to keep and what must be covered.
The environment is often evident in my work. Textures in nature, stones, rocks, roots and bark captivate me. While nature is a prominent theme, the figure finds its way into a painting quite organically. The flow between nature and figure is a subconscious occurrence that can be very satisfying.
I also collect found objects and enjoy the possibility of giving new life to things that others might discard. As well, I enjoy experimenting with a variety of collage elements. Sometimes they happily find their way into my paintings and other times they allow me to simply play.