Ever Hopeful

Artists

• Janet Williamson

Statement

'Ever Hopeful' is a response to this space at PDX CONTEMPORARY ART -- a room within a room that makes passersby look into one space, which in turn leads them to another. By playing with perspective, there’s an oscillation that is created between this space and another.

Referencing the patterns and textiles of William Morris, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the decorative arts, I make large paintings that are cut and altered to make backgrounds and interiors that are referential to domestic life. Optimistic, colorful, and stylized botanical drawings are paired with simple black lines, creating a pull toward the back corner, further extending the room. This upward-looking stance gives optimism and hope -- forcing the viewer to pull themselves into the space, looking up and into the painting. With this optimism, though, there is an austere quality in its spareness and uncertainty. It stands as a reminder to continue to search and to remain hopeful.