Diana Gourlay
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I grew up in New Jersey. Rain, lush green, tall trees – it truly is the Garden State. Arriving in New Mexico in 1996 was a bit of a culture shock. Different land, different people, different moisture. However, it has gotten into my bones and I cannot imagine living anywhere else.
I have always done some form of art. I took oil painting lessons as a child and teenager, but then moved to collage with found objects. Several years ago while working at the University of New Mexico, I found myself working in the College of Fine Arts. I took every single painting class they offered and never looked back. The sensation of layering colors and forming shapes with them fills my soul.
When I paint, I feel like it is more of an uncovering and discovery process rather than creating. What do I see in the mix of brush strokes? One of my favorite things to do in New Mexico is to hike. The terrain can be so different – pinon, tall pines, sand……. interesting wild life like lizards, roadrunners and cranes. Each has a unique character and smell and I find images from these hikes show up in unexpected ways in my paintings. I try to portray feelings and sensations rather than actual depictions but there is usually a horizon line and a colorful sky. Birds also frequently show up. I look forward to more discovery and ways to share what I see.