CARLA AURICH – ARTIST’S STATEMENT 

 
My work is rooted in the language of abstraction and pays homage to the early modernist and color field painters. Color is the starting point in my paintings and works on paper. I take colors observed in my surroundings and use them to explore unique chromatic and compositional relationships. The interaction and conversation between materials, colors, and surfaces happens through the combined effort of structure and chance.  
My paintings feature combinations of acrylic, oil, and dye on canvas and linen, and I sometimes sew together sections of the backing to create additional shapes and textures. My works on paper start with watercolor as the background followed by a top layer of solid-colored shapes made with the use of paper templates and super-matte Flashe paint. The juxtaposition of the flat window-like top layer with the colorful, loosely painted watercolor below creates depth and suggests a view into another space.
The shapes and patterns in my work reference an abstract language that is related to text; however, the resulting forms are not meant to be read literally. Repeated patterns enhance negative space and encourage close looking. Shapes are meant to be vaguely familiar, but they also contain an element of surprise. In a world oversaturated with easily discarded images, my work seeks clarity and invites contemplation.