Eileen Downes

What does it mean to be a "layerist" painter?  My collage artwork is composed of many layers, each significant in the process of my art making.  I use bits of torn magazine papers as my "palette of paint" working the image by adding and subtracting tonal values of this paper until I create the effect that I desire.  Words, phrases, and imagery from the materials that make up the collage become visible upon close observation of the work adding to the meaning of the piece.  I am continually amazed by specific words that appear almost magically between the torn edges as if they are themselves part of the creator of the artwork.  Often I use unusual collage materials such as band-aids, gum and candy wrapers, hierloom family photos, and sentimental letters from which to create my layered images.  I add a small amount of oil pastel to each piece to increase the textural appeal, and I leave the rough collage edges visible to add to the layered effect.  I hope you enjoy looking at my artwork as much as I enjoy making it.