“I have always been attracted to patterns” says Host, “be they man-made or occurring in nature – geometric v. organic. I also like to use both of them to achieve contrasts. My work can be abstract with suggestions of natural landscapes or nature items. I get excited with new products and love to experiment with different methods of creating. Just seeing telephone lines breaking up the sky gets me creating and talking about man getting along in nature. I also love incorporating collage items and layering prints by cutting through one print to expose another underneath. My monotype prints are one of a kind original prints – not duplications or printed editions. My water media paintings consist of watercolors as well as acrylic and gouache paint – anything that mixes with water.”
This abstraction layers materials creating rich textures Host loves. The subdued palette is punctuated by collaged orange stamps whose clean edges complement loose brushstrokes. Expressive blacks anchor the piece and grant depth.
Host tightens in this arrangement, incorporating curls and circles into distinct segments. The compliment of purple and yellow afford visual punch to a small picture.
Spontaneous marks and negative space create energy and tension in a minimal composition. During the printing process green bleeds and schmears while a smudge of yellow keeps the piece from going entirely flat.
Demonstrating her range, Host offers a semi-representational landscape spread across three small canvases. The journey begins in deep midnight blue, rises with the sun into a lush summer day then concludes with a pink sunset. Host’s style is evidenced in tree branches dividing vibrant color into irregular but neat wedges.
The art world is inundated with work commenting on geopolitical concerns, societal inequities, climate change and so on. It’s an artist’s job to present ideas in a way that provoke the viewer to consider a broader view. In our current high-stakes environment, it’s a welcome reprieve to simply enjoy a well-executed painting whose sole purpose is generating joy and marveling in the act of creation.
On view through March 29th at Lawrence Street Gallery 22620 Woodward Ferndale
*images are mine unless otherwise indicated
direct quote from gallery materials
**Shout out to intrepid reporter, producer and general badass Stephanie DeGroote for her continued support of this publication. Thank you!
***Much gratitude for Laura Earle’s support of this newsletter. Her contribution to the Detroit art community through inclusive group exhibitions that address our social evolution is visionary. Looking forward to the next one! Thank you!
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