Alex Norman
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My Work

  It is my opinion that the human subconscious is taken for granted within our modern society. We are often so busy dwelling in the superficial world that we fail to hear the voices trying to reach us via archetypal imagery and symbols. With my work, I want to dig deeper; I want to open myself up to seeing the symbols in everyday life that are seeking to be recognized, and I want my art to be a visual invitation for others to do the same. This said, I have found that the message of my work is never quite what I originally intend for it to be, for when I become absorbed in the art, my subconscious takes hold. In the end, this release allows me to recognize and reconcile my thoughts and feelings that are at odds with each other under the surface.   
        I have found inspiration in Synthetism—a Post-Impressionist style of painting developed during the 1880’s by Paul Gauguin. Synthetism focused on using line, color, and shape to depict two separate levels of reality—the physical world and the dream world. Moreover, I have a fascination with writers and musicians who are also visual artists as well as with artists who draw their inspiration from music and literature. I too, retreat deeper within myself to find freedom in the cramping confines of our society. I too, search outward for the means to express the inexpressible. In essence, I see my work as the unintentional yet inevitable synthesis of my external and internal environment and an existential exploration.
        My process is usually messy and spontaneous. I like to work in layers and make the best of mistakes because, as I said, I feel that the subconscious makes itself manifest through the creative process. I am drawn to mixed media and intrigued by primitive crafts and folk art. In addition, I purposefully include subtle details and hidden imagery in my work that serve to reward those who allow themselves to stay longer, let their minds wander and open themselves up to all the possibilities of the piece and the way it affects them.  
The Fool. Mixed media on board. 2' x 4'. April 2015.
Surfacing. Mixed media on wood. 1'8"x 2'6.5" November 2014
Daughter. Mixed media on paper. 12" x 12" June 2014.
Kindred. Mixed Media on canvas. 16" x 20" June 2014.
Hummingbird Year; Mixed media on board
Pressure Maps. Acrylic and carving on wood blocks. 7.5' x 7.5' each block. October 2015.
Icarus Leaps; Oil and carving on wood
Flesh, Blood, and Ghosts; Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
Passing Through. Mixed media on wood. 23.5" x 31"
Creekside. Oil on canvas. 20" x 16"
The Gathering. Acrylic and inkjet on wood. 16.5" x 16" June 2015
Nude figure; Charcoal on paper
Sheila's First Lament. Chalk pastel on paper. 24" x 18"
Shelia's Second Lament
Prayer Stained; Carved wood, mixed stains, charcoal and chalk
The Poet. Ash, charcoal, and chalk. 20" x 26" January 2015.
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