Collection: ALLISON BELOLAN

Observation has always been important to me as an artist. Looking closely, noticing, and reflecting is the foundation of my practice, the initial inspiration for each composition. I find particular joy and interest in the phenomena of unexpected lines that I encounter and observe in the natural world. 

The abstract landscapes I create in collage and mixed media are meditative reflections of these lines. The contour of a mountain, the colors of a sunset, or the textures on a rock will inspire me to document it with a photograph, sketch, or direct rubbing onto paper. These studies become visual references as I work on larger compositions using found papers, handmade papers, and my older artwork.

Although I use traditional collage materials and processes, creating my landscapes is more like layering a print or painting. I begin each series by selecting a limited color palette to make sense of unity throughout each work and repetitive shapes, textures, and lines. After selecting and preparing my papers, I begin tearing or cutting shapes and arranging them, working on several different compositions at once, sensing and feeling my way through the work, and placing paper intuitively until I find a sense of balance within each piece. As I set and rearrange papers, my process becomes more meditative and responsive to the play of textures, colors, and edges within the unique landscapes.

Floating compositions draw attention to space and ask viewers to contemplate if these are real or imagined landscapes, internal or external spaces. The viewer is drawn into each piece by subtle variations in edges, textures, and layers of paper. As they notice their way through and make sense of each landscape, I want viewers to discover moments of thoughtful observation.

For Allison, creating is a meditation on observations of nature and emotions combined with intuitive and sensory responses to materials.  Her mixed media abstract landscapes feature found papers, repurposed artwork, and hand painted papers in limited color palettes.. These, along with repetitive shapes and lines create a sense of balance and texture that draw viewers in for closer observation.  Allison’s work shows in galleries across the United States, online galleries, and shops, including Minted.com, The Other Art Fair Brooklyn, and social media and print publications like Art Seen Magazine.  After studying Printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduating in 2001, Allison worked as a jewelry and accessories designer in New York’s Fashion District, creating jewelry for brands like Betsy Johnson, Kenneth Cole, and Alfani.  In 2009 Allison returned to school and received her Masters of Arts in Teaching Art Education at the School of Visual Arts and taught Art in New York public schools until 2021.  She currently lives and works in Mamaroneck, New York, with her husband and two children.

Allison Belolan Art

allisonbelolanart.com

@allisonbelolanart