Brenda Cirioni Artist Statement:

“When I was sixteen years old, my family home burned to the ground. Memories of that experience — both visual and visceral — have surfaced and now find expression in my new body of work. Cycles of Renewal explores the elements of earth, water, air and fire and their impact on nature and life.

My barn paintings are full of energy but are simultaneously rooted to the earth. The walls of some strain to contain the heat. Others are consumed by fire. While touching upon utter destruction, my paintings are celebratory, bursting with color and regeneration.

I create collage paintings on wood panels. I use acrylic paint, draw with ink and  build on the composition by collaging bits of painted paper, fiberglass screen and debris. My method of layering draws attention to the multiplicities and mysteries of nature.

The fire and consequent loss of everything inside provided a great learning for me, to attach myself to things that last: earth, water, air, in other words, to nature, as well as to art and community.”