Rick Wright

Terpsichore, in Greek mythology was one the nine Muses of the arts. Her traditional domain of dance and song, along with more contemporary cirque nouveau and burlesque performers have influenced my most recent figurative explorations. These subjects evoke an exciting blend of physicality, grace, and movement that I seek to translate into my work. Though semi-abstract and expressionistic, I value a believability, proportion, and energy in the form while taking risks with color relationships and mark-making. I build, define, and refine each painting in an additive gestalt of liveliness and energy while allowing for an exploration of figure-ground relationships and at times a defiance of gravity. I seek balance between the raw nature of a gestural five-minute sketch and the sophistication one expects of a resolved painting. The strength and classicism of these forms in motion both challenge and compliment the direction of my work.