Abstract
For the past twenty years my work has consisted
primarily of watercolors that reflect the landscape, custom, and
folklore of Acadian life in our region. These works are quite
traditional in imagery and evoke a collective sense of culture
and community. They speak of resiliency and strength and portray
many of the positive aspects associated with such a rich and varied
culture,
More recently I have begun to explore the expressive
qualities of abstract painting as well. This approach allows me
to examine other aspects of my culture and reflect on them in
a more personal manner. The physical process used in creating
these works allows for greater personal expression as well. Layers
and strokes of paint are applied directly by hand rather than
with a brush. This, combined with a vigorous process of scouring
and scrubbing, enables me to add and remove paint in an instantaneous
and somewhat violent fashion. In this manner the act of painting
becomes more of a dialogue in which the painting evolves through
an alternating exchange of creation, substraction, and regeneration.
The muted colours, gestural markings, and ranges
in depth of my abstract works are much more contemplative and
emotional than the images depicted in my watercolours. They are
also less optimistic. They evoke the ephemeral sense of place
created by a region bound primarily through culture. As a tangible
entity, Acadie’s existence rests more in thought and emotion
than in physical boundaries. This speaks of the precarious nature
of our culture and points to the insecurities that are created
because of it. The somber colours and depth allude to a rich history
that is , however, still shrouded and vague. These depths are
offset by blocks of solid, bright colours that draw the eye, creating
points of rests or centers of attachment. These points of attachment
convey a sense of hope, that for me, is echoed in the knowledge
that my paintings will still exists after I am gone. The need
for me to leave such traces of myself, however, reflects a fear
that l’Acadie as a “place” and a way of life
may someday cease to exist.
The versatility of the abstract approach will serve
as a useful vehicle for exploring. The concept of dialogue, along
with the expressive qualities of the medium, are particularly
important in this regard. They help to ease the frustrations I
feel in trying to communicate such complex cultural issues in
either a verbal or written format. The lack of confidence I experience
in trying to communicate in french or english is a common experience
shared by many Acadians, from Baie Sainte-Marie who feel inadequately
equipped to communicate outside the Acadian language. I feel fortunate
to have the visual means to represent my own views and appreciate
the opportunity to serve as a voice for other Acadians sharing
the same issues and concerns.
Denise COMEAU
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collection « dialogue »
