A modern dancer,benefits from a foundation in classical dance and returns regularly to a traditional ballet class. An improvisational jazz musician will have a wider musical vocabulary with a background of classical music training. An abstract artist, similar to these performing artists, often returns to drawing or painting the figure or other representational objects in order to exercise observational drawing and painting skills. One discipline informs the other.

In her solo exhibition opening on June 14th at Edgewater Gallery on the Green, Helen Shulman presents two bodies of work, one abstract and one representational.

“Realism Reboot” is a collection of still life paintings of bowls and fabric. Shulman’s paintings show skillfully rendered objects in compositions that are enhanced by elements of abstraction including intersecting planes of surface texture, color and line work.

Helen Shulman writes about her still life paintings for Realism Reboot

“For many decades I’ve attended life drawing sessions, producing stacks of figure drawings. It was like going to the gym to stay in shape for painting abstractly.
Abstract painting, for me, while it demands head energy, it relies heavily on “gut” energy. It can be exhausting.

Drawing from life and painting from life stretch and strengthen my “seeing and translating” muscles. Occasionally, for relief and refreshment, I’ll paint a still life, usually with fabric and bowls. I also may incorporate realistic elements within an abstract setting.

I have included some examples in this show.”

Make: Believe, the second part of Helen Shulman’s solo exhibition, is a collection of abstract works on panel. Shulman uses cold wax medium, oil paints and occasionally found materials to create her compositions. Though she often references the landscape or figure in her abstract paintings she describes “walking in my own landscape” in her abstract pieces. She goes on to describe her process:

“I get to tell myself stories, embellish experiences, manipulate images. I can leave what I want to leave and change what needs to be changed. It is freeing, frustrating and all absorbing.
I use cold wax medium, oil paints and, sometimes, other materials on custom made wood panels. I frequently start with drawing on the prepared surface before adding (and subtracting) layers of paint mixed with the cold wax.

My intent is to not only end up with a picture that invites my stories and associations, but also those of at least some viewers.
While I love dwelling in fantasy world and indulging myself with long meandering hours in the studio, toward the end of the day I begin thinking of my favorite quotes:
“I don’t have much use for reality, but it’s the only place to get a decent meal.”
W. C. Fields

In Make: Believe and Realism Reboot Helen Shulman presents two bodies of work that are individually significant but also relate to each other and help to give insight into the artist’s process and inspiration. Helen Shulman will give an artist talk at her opening reception on June 28, 2024 5:00 – 6:30 PM at Edgewater Gallery on the Green, 6 Merchants Row. The reception is free and open to all.

For more information about Helen Shulman’s solo exhibition call the gallery at 802-989-7419 or email us at [email protected].

To view Helen Shulman’s available work, click here.