VALERY SUTHERLAND artist statement.

My 'Elements' series of paintings are abstract landscapes, often based on digital imagery, that attempt to portray the passage of time. Earth, water, air and fire are the ancient elements that are referenced in the artworks. The blueprint of an old structure is overlaid by slashes of color that could be fields. Roads crisscross the area. Skies with clouds of varying hues and configurations create a feeling of mystery.

After more than two decades of creating wall and free-standing sculptures, in 2011 I decided to return to painting. The first pieces were the 'Reflections' series, based on photographs of the reflection on a black granite countertop, of a white oak tree that grew behind my house. I used images of split logs for the 'Labyrinth' paintings and a road trip to Florida provided inspiration for the 'Road Trip' series.

The majority of sculptures that I constructed from layered plywood, were narrative pieces. I chiseled or built up the surfaces with an acrylic medium or dried paint. The sculptures were then painted. The subjects ranged from social issues to opera, visual artists and the passage of time.