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By Marshall Gordon, Bold Life
July, 2007
Obverse, Inverse
Abstract expressionism is not always easily understood. There are no
clearly defined forms that are typical of landscapes, portraits or still
life. Instead, the canvas is filled with non-representational images. But
for Patricia Cole-Ferullo, there is no other way. “I prefer the abstract as
a means of going beneath the surface appearance,” she says, ”and
developing the paintings into an organic statement using
relationships of color.”
A long-time resident of Tryon, NC, Patricia and fellow artist and
husband Dom recently moved to southern Italy, where she has
produced a series titled Small Works from Italy. The work reflects a
new stage in her artistic development. Compared to her earlier, more
forceful abstracts with their hard edges and highly contrasting colors,
these paintings are softer, more peaceful, muted and subtle.
Like many of her other paintings, they draw inspiration from the history
and environment she finds herself in. “At this time, in this majestic
setting, I’m inspired by the sky, sea, and rocky coastline. The colors of
the sea, sky and the clarity of the air have led me into a brighter, more
colorful palette that I would not have been comfortable with a year
ago,” she says.
“I have been visiting and researching the ancient sites of Magna
Graecia, Greek settlements along the coast dating back to the seventh
century B.C. The art of that time has been well preserved in some of
the fresco paintings done with natural pigments and simple tools,
with a classic style and grace that would serve as a basic course in
composition, drawing and color harmonies.”
Patricia uses water-soluble media of all types, incorporating natural
earth powders, sand, plaster and glue. To add further dimensions to
her abstracts, she accentuates her color planes by drawing into the
layers with all kinds of marking tools – sticks, bamboo, feathers,
quills, her fingers and fingernails – virtually anything that can make a
distinctive and memorable mark. “Chunks of charcoal left on the
beach after a campfire make wonderful drawing tools,” she says.
She’s practically drawn to naturally derived materials, making her a
bona fide “green” artist. “I love discovering new, more natural avenues
of expression. Now, that we’ve moved to Italy, I live close to the earth,
sky and sea; I use sea water as a medium for watercolors and
feathers as brushes.”
Patricia’s inspiration comes from nature, history, mystery and
emotions – the world she observes around her. “In my paintings, I try
to say the ‘unsayable,’ the mystery of the universe and our relationship
to its incredible complexity which we, as human beings, are a part.”
Carol Icard, former Fine Art Director at Hendersonville’s Silver Fox
Gallery and accomplished artist in her own right, agrees. “Pat’s work
shows us not only what is within her, but within all of us. Pat’s art
reflects her consciousness, which all truly great art does, in my
opinion. It appears to spring from her soul directly onto the canvas.
She trusts her instincts, that authentic core of who she is, and just lets
it rip. I see her energy, both physical and spiritual in both the
movement and the quietude that is evident in her work.”
Bonnie Rash, the gallery’s owner, adds, “Her work is very spiritual,
very intuitive. We represent Pat’s work because it’s important work
and people need to have the opportunity to bring this type of work into
their homes.”
Patricia paints for herself first, and her work doesn’t necessarily follow
commercial trends and conventions. But for those with an
appreciation of the hidden and mysterious and the subconscious, her
work reaches deep within the communal psyche.
“I only hope that the painting will touch viewers in some way, as it has
me,” says Patricia. “Of course I care, but the client’s understanding of
the painting is not my goal … sometimes I don’t understand it!”
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