Rachel Stokoe at Hunter's MFA Thesis Show...

I met up with Cat and William to see Rachel Stokoe and her latest work at Hunter's MFA Thesis Show.  It was hot and crowded, but it was so nice to see Rachel and meet her mom.  You might remember Rachel and her mom from a fundraiser I had called, "Stringing for a Cure," to help raise money for them to participate in the 3 Day Journey benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust.  I am so proud of Rachel.  She's created a beautiful body of jewel-toned work, layered richly and sensuously.  When I look at her paintings, I see more than just bright, pretty colors and paint – I see her.  The canvases, standing taller than her, hold a record of movement, strokes, and gestures, each unique to her body and arm reach.  In this way, the strokes have become a dynamic dance, a swirl of raw expression.  With that said, they transcend mere Action painting.  Repetition of strokes and patterning evolve into a fluid pictography, telling a story and creating a universe to delve into.  (I love how she's posing in the photo.  It gives a hint into the energy that went into creating the painting.)  For more images of her work CLICK HERE.