Jacqui Crocetta
Statement
The dance between chaos and control is what I love most about the process of painting. I balance the ‘letting go’ aspect of my work—the fearless application of paint to canvas—with intentional brush strokes and careful editing, to achieve unique compositions. Implied lines, transparent forms, complex colors and textures, are the nuances which convey my voice. I find inspiration from many sources such as the delicate, sculptural husks of Physalis; a light-filled contemporary space; and individuals who are persistently hopeful in times of adversity.
I am an intuitive painter. Tiny slivers of inspiration spark the process, colored pigments are painted on, wiped off, edged in—each mark informing the ones to follow. This allows the painting to unfold naturally, and in unexpected ways, without a preconceived plan. My compositions—whether they are bold, architectural arrangements or delicate veils suspended in space—are influenced by my background in graphic design. The luminous qualities of my work, and the way I handle acrylic paint, are indicative of my years of experience painting in watercolor.
In recent years I shifted from working figuratively to making abstract work. Working without reliance on imagery is more true to the open-ended nature of my process—not knowing where I will end up and how I will get there. Taking risks, looking at things from a new perspective, working my way through challenges, and seeing my work evolve over time, are some aspects of painting that I find most rewarding.