Steve Barylick

ARTIST STATEMENT I paint because it allows me to be unrestrained, original and visually expressive without limits or boundaries. Formerly, as an art and creative director, there were many barriers to contend with, and now, I can cross any frontier I wish. This new found freedom is challenging, exhilarating, and frightening, all at once. My canvases start with a loose crayon drawing while leaving lots of white space; this anchors colors, textures and patterns that progress as the painting emerges. Textures are applied, followed by glazes to create the background layers. Knife painting, mixing varying amounts of primary color and white, are done directly onto the surface to create the multitude of colors in the painting. The finishing touch is color administered in flowing, rhythmic, energetic lines, flung with abandon, like a garden hose gone wild on a summer’s day. What’s the most challenging part? Knowing when to stop, when it’s done. The feeling when I’m done? Accomplishment. I tried my very best. That is what I strive for, to create more attractively than the last painting. One in which a viewer will stop, look and wonder. My work is vigorous, cheerful, stimulating to do. And fun. That’s the essential part, I’m having the time of my life.