CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
SURFACE SUBTLETIES
An abstract submitted in partial satisfaction of the
requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in
ART
by
Marla Fields
May 1984
The abstract of Marla Fields is approved:
TomFric~
Marvin Harden (Chair)
California State University, Northridge
ii
ABSTRACT
SURFACE SUBTLETIES
by
Marla Fields
Master of Arts in Art
My work is an act of reflection.
The constant
theme is my search for freedom within the boundaries of
structure.
I have combined linear demarcations, subtle
surface variations in color, value, and texture in an
attempt to create fields of energy and tensions.
Compression and the slow release of energy is the
recurrent intent of all the pieces.
Each piece evolves from a core place within myself.
A place of many moods.
A place, transposed on paper,
where everything becomes simplified.
Although the
format is minimal, the surface is intricate in its
weavings of brushwork and areas of color.
All of the
works attempt to speak of energy, both holding tight
and letting go.
Every brushstroke represents a mood
1
2
swing, sometimes frenetic other times calm. The edges
of the works are one of my major concerns.
In the
earlier pieces the ragged edge, along with the controlled
strokes of color remained on the outer periphery, with
the freer energy confined to the center.
passed this pattern reversed itself.
As time
The pieces became
more condensed as the brushstrokes became more
centralized.
Each piece became smaller and more delicate
in character.
The series began to take on an almost
earthy tabloid quality, aged and cracked thru the
passage of time.
This seemed a natural progression,
reflective of my life sequences.
In the earlier works I
felt myself as basically a free spirit, but along the
outer fringes there was a sense of tightness and
confusion.
Comparitively, the drawings of the same
period maintain a similar feeling with the activity
of linear color on the edges and a more open, expressionistic execution in the central area.
As the works
progressed, so did I spiritually, reflecting my new
world.
I had become an expectant mother.
In the later
pieces my intent was to contain the greatest energy in
the centralized bar, representing my state of gestation
and oneness with myself and the new life I was carrying.
It is interesting to note that after the birthing process
the bar began to separate and, in a sense, take on a new
life force.
J
In creating these pieces my intent is to communicate
a sense of mystery and existential thought.
there by represents thought and emotion.
Each work