Passion to Abstraction will feature the work of Dottie S. Dorion, the Co-Founder of
the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in Jacksonville. She grew up in a family
with demonstrated artistic abilities and included Art Studies in her electives
courses at University of Vermont and later in graduate school at Southern
Connecticut State College. Her career choice was Nursing and she graduated from
Columbia University School of Nursing and earned her Master’s in Special
Education at Southern Connecticut State with Certification in Teaching at
University of North Florida.
Dottie has traveled extensively for pleasure and
to compete in Swimming and Triathlon, and representing USA Triathlon and the
International Triathlon Union. While nursing and competitive sports were demanding,
she did continue to develop her skills as a painter and photographer. She is a
member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of
Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the
Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
The most recent paintings are thought provoking
explorations manifested in powerful applications of color and layers of paint
that give way to subtle messages and symbols of life that evoke the
complexities of our existence. They are unique expressions and interpretations
of Dottie’s visions and experiences, which are revealed in intricate mysterious
and delicate passages. They entice the viewer to enter her world and elicit
various reactions about time, her “reality” and life. Some of her paintings are
soft and impressionistic interpretations of familiar objects that have special
meaning for her. Others tend to be bold and dramatic. Upon closer observation,
one sees scratches, gouges, calligraphic brushwork, drips, splatters and subtle
under painting that expose pentimenti and depth. These complex processes and
bravura applications of the paint emphasize the potential of the medium itself
and actually become the content.
In her words: “My paintings represent
personal expression of my views of life and manifestations of diverse visions.
I want them to be intricate and mysterious and to entice the viewer to
enter my world. I try to elicit disparate views about time, personal
history and life itself. Some of my paintings are ambiguous and nebulous
others are natural interpretations of my experiences. The layer upon
layer of paint and veils of color reveal processes that tell stories delving
into the complexity of my creative passion.”
-Paul
E. Ladnier, UNF Professor Emeritus
The opening reception for the
exhibition is on May 18, 2012 from 5-8pm in the UNF Gallery of Art. The exhibit
will be on display until August 3, 2012.
Proceeds
from sales are tax deductable and go to benefit Volunteers in Medicine.
