After the Storm
Tallmadge Doyle '79

After the Storm: New Etchings, Woodcuts & Paintings by Tallmadge Doyle

October 1-November 8, 2014

Schrager & Clarke Gallery is pleased to present an exhibit of new work by Eugene artist Tallmadge Doyle. Doyle received her BFA in Drawing from the Cleveland Art Institute and an MFA in Printmaking from the University of Oregon, where she has taught printmaking and drawing as an adjunct instructor since 1997.

In recent years, Doyle has been known for her intricate etchings of birds and animals combine with star systems and alchemical and zodiacal symbols. In After the Storm, she has stepped away from that subject matter and ventured into the realm of botany: grasses, leaves, seeds, and branches.

Doyle works in an aerie of a studio, overlooking a wooded slope. After last year's winter snow, she explored the downed branches and debris, collecting interesting examples to use for inspiration. After the Storm is the result. Stark plant forms are silhouetted against subtle background line work. Using both etching and woodblock printing techniques, she has created a series of prints with a unique elegance and simplicity.

She says about this body of work: "Ultimately I am interested in how the web of rhythms and patterns of the natural world, both visible and invisible, organically weave together to create forces which form the fabric and quality of [that] world."

Doyle will be available to discuss this exhibit on Saturday, October 25 at 4pm, when she will give an informal talk about her work as a printmaker.

Artist Statement for After the Storm:

Within my work runs a common thread of interest in the scientific realm. Whether it be astronomy, physics, or botany I am fueled by ideas and images from science, both contemporary and historic.

This current body of work employs botanical imagery as a jumping off point to investigate both micro and macro perspectives of the natural Northwest environment. The images reflect on the results of weather as well as fractal patterning from star charts and leaf patterns to bird feathers. Ultimately I am interested in how the web of rhythms and patterns of the natural world, both visible and invisible, organically weave together to create forces which form the fabric and quality of the natural world.

By its nature the medium of Printmaking is most often one step removed from the direct control of the artist. For this reason Printmaking has become an essential element for evolution of my imagery. The simultaneous development of multiple matrices allows for constant experimentation, chance discoveries, and an element of chaos that I have grown to rely on.

Above: Katsura - 11x13 - Line etching, aquatint

Website: http://www.tallmadgedoyle.com/