"Double Entendre, Large Works on Paper" - paintings by Cecily Barth Firestein May 13, 2006

Accomplished New York artist Cecily Barth Firestein?s abstract paintings and collages are subtly beautiful, mesmerizing and compelling. An Exhibition of these works will be on exhibition from May 13 through July 2006 at Joseph Wahl Arts Gallery. An opening reception for this exhibition will be held on Saturday, May 13 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Artist Statement: "My current paintings, large works on paper, are derivative of many years? experience as a printmaker. I initiate the painting as if it were a monotype, spreading an oil-based printing ink design onto a large, rigid sheet of plastic, transferring that image onto dampened Arches Cover paper.
I cover most of the paper with a single color wash of tempera paint, removing some to allow the underlying strata to glow through. I then proceed to add other colors using lusty brush work, controlled drips and spatters, and lastly collage elements and overdrawing for a sumptuous effect. Immediacy, strength of form, and elegant juxtaposition are as important to me as scale and I do prefer to work large.
My aim is to present abstract paintings that are subtly beautiful, especially color-wise, enhancing them through dynamic gestural pyrotechnics. It is no longer possible to prevent the tumult of the outside world, so clamorous with its noisy, opinionated mass media constantly trying to blur the line between art and entertainment, from stomping into art?s private garden. So I welcome it all into my work and still make compelling paintings, with wit and sometimes wicked imagery."
Joseph Wahl Arts Gallery is located at 5305 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Along with exhibiting an eclectic mix of artists, the gallery also offers a variety of classes and lectures. For complete information on the gallery, please refer to the website at: http://josephwahlarts.com.

Official Website: http://josephwahlarts.com