A Connection to the Land
The artist
For as long as I can remember, I have loved Nature, music and art as fundamental expressions of the human experience which expand our awareness and connect us to something larger than ourselves. I am moved and influenced by many artists past and present but early on it was the impressionists and the lesser known tonalist painters who seemed to resonate with the poetry in my own perceptions.
The early tonalist painters who influenced my work and style are George Inness, James McNeill Whistler and John Henry Twachtman, along with others. They were so named in the late 1800s and early 1900s for their particular soft style of painting. Perhaps it was the sense of mystery and atmosphere or the ephemeral faces of landscape that excited and stimulated my imagination. These were poetic landscapes subtle yet powerful.
Nature is fleeting; tones are subtle and the light crossing the landscape illuminates and transforms what could easily be overlooked into a dazzling display of color notes and sublime atmospheric effects. Tonalism seemed to capture the mystery of the subject at hand. They were elegant landscapes, rich in mood and feeling.
Plein air
It was precisely because of these fleeting and rapidly dissipating effects in Nature that I began to realize that the only way I could authentically capture these light and color effects was by working diligently from life on location or “en plein air.” Something deep inside of me resonates with direct observation of a moment in time. It carries the felt sense of the moment in eternity and yet it is very actively happening in the moment with all senses engaged. These are magical moments that require the artist’s rapt attention, observation and attunement. It’s somewhat akin to conducting an orchestra into a whole, harmonious symphony built on color notes .
These days most of my plein air works are completed on site in oil on board or canvas. Larger paintings require up to three sessions, usually two to two-and-a-half hours each day. Often I will work up pastels from plein air works or work small on location and go larger in the studio.
Current show at Blue Spiral 1
The pastels at Blue Spiral 1 are shown in conjunction with works by Will Henry Stevens (1881-1949.) The eight paintings in this show are painted at locations in and around Asheville including Beaver Lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Warren Wilson College farmland. My works are always in support of conservation and preservation of habitat and the disappearing landscape.
It is my belief that as artists we have a responsibility to truth and authenticity whatever our subject matter. There is no “Lorax” speaking for the trees. There are only a handful of dedicated conservationists who use every means possible to preserve the environment and promote sustainability through ongoing rigorous effort. It is my belief that as artists we can be the voice of a more conscious path of illumination and respect for the natural laws governing the welfare of healthy communities.
If I spend one day on location being faithful to the landscape and can connect that voice through my painting with others, I have done my job. If my paintings inspire awareness, responsibility and appreciation for this most valuable resource and inspire good stewardship then I have achieved my real goal. I feel a deep gratitude to be doing what I do in service to the landscape.
Deborah Squier is known for her ethereal landscapes in oil and pastel documenting the North Carolina region with a focus on the Appalachians. Her work is in private and corporate collections world wide. She is well known for her atmospheric rendering and subtle control of light in her landscapes. She maintains a studio in her north Asheville home. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Her work can be seen locally at Blue Spiral 1 or on her website: www.DeborahSquier.com
Deborah teaches and conducts workshops at various locations. She also offers private tutorials.
If You Go: Panel discussion with Deborah Squier, Friday, April 10 at 3 p.m. “Water” is on display through April 24, 2015. Blue Spiral 1, 38 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6; Sunday 12-6. For more details, call (828) 251-0202 or visit www.BlueSpiral1.com
