Abstracting the personal presents the work of four artists, Beth Berry, Carol Beron, Reidunn Fraas, and Harriet Livathinos, that all share bright, organic shapes and forms. Their works draw from the emotion and inspiration they find in nature, each creating unique expressions full of texture. Exploration and experimentation are a part of every step of their processes as they use different techniques of line, color, and form to produce raw, dynamic compositions. Nature, discovery, and authenticity connect these artists’ processes and work resulting in a show that displays the direct, honest results of experimentation and discovery in art.

Beth Berry’s paintings are responses to the extraordinary reverence one experiences in the presence of nature. Movement, light, and scale combined with her perceptual experience have transformed her work from traditional landscapes to more abstract ones that capture the feelings and sublime of nature. Her paintings start with a strong gestural line evolving into organic shapes. The quick drying nature of acrylic paint allows her to layer shapes adding depth, and complexity to her compositions. Additionally, to further the emotional impact her paintings have she chooses buoyant colors.

Carol Beron’s inspiration comes from nature – natural patterns, formations, and light. After observing nature, she takes the mental images she has and uses clay to create different forms. Drawn and textured carvings are then added and adorn the piece, adding dimension and depth. Her works come from a place of spontaneity and are rarely planned. She feels a sense of satisfaction when she is able to transform her observations into the direct, clear, honest expression of her works.

Reidunn Fraas’ inspiration often comes from the natural world. She utilizes the abstract, allowing her paintings, the forms, shapes, textures, and colors, to be interpreted in limitless ways. While creating her pieces she experiments, as to her, painting is a happening, creating an experience. She often surprises herself with unexpected variables and results in her paintings, involving herself with the revelations that occur as she explores. These paintings are acrylic on canvas and have been completed in the past three years, all with their own unique journey and challenges.

Harriet Livathinos’ work focuses on line, color, and form, and their influence on the space around them. She uses these elements to explore air, density, and depth to create a piece that expresses both the tangible and intangible, as well as raw emotion. She uses a variety of mediums from pencil to pastels, and an array of surfaces such as paper and different preparations of canvas. By using varying techniques, mediums, foundations, and expressions of line, color, and form, Livathinos creates expressive compositions.