Francis Scorzelli

STATEMENT

I use the power of color relationships to create unique, self-contained color worlds, and to achieve the grammar of art—completeness, appropriateness and unity—in two-dimensional work with a three-dimensional perspective quality.

My work seems unforced, and appears to have been executed instantaneously, but in actuality, I spend many laborious hours layering paint of vibrant color and then scraping to expose the multiple layers underneath, while retaining an intimate feeling and sense of space.

The paintings usually begin by applying slashing, impasto strokes on the canvas. Uncovered areas of the white canvas or paper give color and stroke accuracy and form. Occasionally the paint application becomes a multi-play of gestures without any clear expression of form. I keep the loose images very dense. In other areas I employ paint thinned to the point that it resembles a veil. Despite the delicacy that characterizes my style, clustered areas of impenetrably dense color anchor certain works. It is the tension between colors that will make a painting look three-dimensional.

The images in the recent paintings aren't specific enough for one to see a clearly defined form or place. However, forms are suggested, just not elaborated upon. Finally, I add sinuous lines and forms that, while appearing random, are consciously overlapped and composed without letting the images, become too defined.

I strive for a physical heaviness, seeking to eradicate the white canvas or paper. The challenge is to attain a composition that is both balanced and dense.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA

Studied with Professors

Michael Peter Cain and Peter Erskine

AWARDS

1988 First Place, Best Photograph, Unity Gallery, Fairfield, IA

1989 Juror’s Choice Award, Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Art Association

SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS — SOLO

2011 “Color X6” UCSB Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2010 “Santa Barbara in the Abstract” Corridan Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA – Three Person Exhibition

2008 “Real/Abstract” Elverhoj Museum, Santa Ynez, CA -Two Person Exhibition

2008 “Left Brain Art” The Frameworks, Santa Barbara, CA – Three Person Exhibition

2007 “Color Relationship Series” Delphine Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2005 Delphine Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2003 Chancellor Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2002 “Music Roll Series” Chancellor Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

2001 Hilton, New York City, NY

1999 Gallery 9, Santa Barbara, CA

1996 McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

1995 “Works on Paper” Faulkner East Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

1993 Great Western Bank, Santa Barbara, CA

1991 Faulkner East Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

1989 Fithian 249 Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

1987 Gallery of Modern Art, Montecito, CA

1986 “Sand Series” Gallery 113, Santa Barbara, CA

1986 Good Earth Gallery, San Francisco, CA

1985 San Francisco Foundation, San Francisco, CA

1984 “Structural Repetition Series” Good Earth Gallery, San Francisco, CA

SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS — GROUP

2012 “5 x 5 An Invitational” Westmont Mu