Rebecca Hamm
Quiddity: the essence of a thing

October 17 to November 13
Reception: Saturday, October 17, 6 to 9p

Rebecca Hamm's large-scale watercolor paintings in Quiddity: the essence of a thing present points where nature overcomes and reclaims — gradually or dramatically — human constructs. Hamm creates energetic, abstracted visions that overflow with color and hidden life. At a distance, a stream emerges and the rock forms in a constant state of flux. The serenity of nature is simultaneously presented as mysterious and comforting; fascinating and awe-striking; terrifying and instructive.

 



Portfolio
Artist Statement
Online Information




Rock Stream 1
Watercolor, 72x48", ©2007





Monte Vista Pond 2
Watercolor, 72x48", ©2007


July 2007

These watercolor paintings depict views of the environment within a 20-mile radius of where I have lived my life. The naturally occurring and humanly constructed environmental changes I have witnessed continue to be fascinating and instructive. The views found here call me to respond to their unsettling beauty and evidence of transformation.

I am particularly drawn to places where nature overcomes and reclaims — gradually or dramatically — imposed human constructs. These images are selected for the paintings because they are autobiographical metaphor.

Energetic marks in the composition create rhythmic structure and reveal interlaced spaces to express nature's wild strength and resilience in response to destructive human intervention. Paper provides a transitory, variable and flexible support to present the connected elements. Color evokes the emotive qualities of natural experience.