Brenda van der Beek
231 Chestnut St
North Andover, MA 01845
t 978-989-9977
brenda@brendavanderbeek.com
website: brendavanderbeek.com


EDUCATION

BFA, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Summa Cum Laude
MFA, Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University, Painting

STATEMENT

In my latest geometric abstract paintings I investigate the premise of place and space and the struggle between order and chaos. While I strive for order, I do not deny the underlying inevitability of chaos. The prospect of unpredictability that is always present at the start of each painting leaves potential for tremendous variation. The carefully organized geometric structures allow the possibility of these deviations while keeping chaos within manageable perimeters.
The way I work is to develop an image of geometrical elements through a working process over a long period of time. Through the deliberate structuring, repeating, organizing and reorganizing, the process of painting geometric compositions is comforting to me. Yet, the final visual outcome may challenge this comfort. When a component of contradiction is added to the formal elements of composition, space and color, the work may reveal an apprehensive quality. The resulting paintings are representations of nonphysical places that evoke a range of personal responses that are meaningful to me.