S. P. ‘Jewels’
ARTIST STATEMENT / BIO
Espe paints gemstones on reclaimed materials. What begins as refuse is repurposed, transforming base materials into noble objects. Diverse media such as discarded tablecloth, wallpaper, curtain, graphic posters, upholstery fabric, painting, canvas, commercial art, building and metal scrap are surface medium. By reforming and re-employing, the work fits into the Ecocentric Art Movement (aka Neo Materialism) to reduce, reuse and upcycle. She synthesizes historical and contemporary styles by mixing the classical tradition of still-life painting with modernism.
Gods of fire have made their appearances in cultures throughout history. They have been chosen to represent gemstones that bring repurposed media back to life. Background recycled patterns disappears behind opaque oil paint rendering and reappears through transparent acrylic wash. Eternal flames re-emerge in the facets of jewels which reflect and transfix.
She studied art at American University in Paris, France with Paul Jenkins, USC Roski School of Fine Art (BFA) in and advanced studies at ArtCenter in Pasadena. After spending 12 years in New York, Espe returned to Los Angeles to teach and practice Ecocentric art. Her grandfather, Archibald Picking, was a diamantaire (diamond cutter) before becoming a conductor for Pacific Electric Red Cars.
She has has exhibited internationally in galleries and museums. Her work has been include in museum shows at Neutra Institute Museum, Autry Southwest Museum, TAM: Torrence Art Museum and MOAH, Museum of Art & History, Lancaster, California She has exhibited in diverse venues such as The Living Room Gallery, W Hotel Hollywood, Brand Library & Art Center, Glendale, California and Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven, Connecticut.
Her awards include Certificate of Achievement, “Water Works” Huntington Beach Art Center, California; “Artavita” Certificate of Excellence; ArtSlant Prize Showcase; “Artvoices Magazine 10th Anniversary Gallery Guide” Featured Artist; Special Recognition Category: Light, Space & Time Art Gallery.
