Theresa Fernald’s recent paintings explore images of domestic bliss, children at play, blue skies, tranquil waters and magnificent landscapes.  But is there something else going on?  Fernald’s paintings are tinged with a subtle (or sometimes not-so-subtle) menace.  Have we lost respect for Mother Earth as well as each other?  What is the role of human beings on this planet?  Her paintings call out for a kinder interaction between humans and Earth and suggest that our interconnectedness needs to be healed, nourished and celebrated. 

Theresa Fernald on her new paintings: “My recent work is a look into the negative relationship human beings have with the Earth. This continual stress fights with a sense of balance, challenging the Earth’s strained relationship with humans. 

“Earth is a higher consciousness, one that we are also connected to and aligned with. At this moment, it is dire for us to wake up on an individual level to see our own personal impact, our responsibility, and our connection to the multifarious life on this precious Earth. 

“This idea is conveyed in the landscapes I have painted. While seemingly idyllic, upon closer examination one can gather a sense that these beautiful spaces have been used like abandoned back lots for a super hero movie and sadly, this destruction repeats over and over again. Conversely there is a sense of hope imbued into the space as Earth naturally returns to a state of stasis and heals over and over again. 

“The next call to action is conveyed in a figurative series of studies of adults and children. 

“In these paintings children pretend that they are dangerous, heroic, wild animals living harmoniously with the Earth. 

“In other paintings the adults are having encounters with various wild animals. These images are a call for human beings to take responsibility and to protect vital animals, insects and all life forms that make this earth harmonious.

“Finally, are the wild animals and insects living their lives on the outskirts of human domination. This includes the reverent paintings of animals working hard to survive, including a spider weaving a web trying to catch the moon in its network of fine, delicate threads. 

“Furthermore, it is imperative for us to collectively imagine a harmonious state of creativity where humans actively understand that all life forms are sacred, energized and imbued with the beauty of life and that we all need to make an effort to protect these innocent beings. 

“These paintings experiment with high key and dark value color structures which serve to create the illusion of three-dimensions. The intensity and brightness of the colors placed against the tonal complements, accent the advancing color charged areas and appear to fight for space whilst they recede into fuzzy, unfocused surfaces and back into flat surfaces.”

Theresa Fernald is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach (M.F.A.) and California College of Arts and Crafts (B.F.A.).

For further information please contact:  Jeff Gambill, Director (310) 829-0345.