October's Artist: Elizabeth B. Wright - A Breath of Fresh Air

"I have always been an artist, but my training for life has been diverse. Currently a certified art and social studies teacher, I teach high school sociology and psychology. Leaving a full-time teaching load has ended a career of teaching civilizations and world cultures. This is OK but what to do with all of those artifacts?

My work is every day and that is my view of art, every day, everything I see, the colors, the sentimentality, the message even though private. Every day I fight the urge to stop important activities and just paint, or cut up photographs, or run around and gather materials and to just begin something meaningful to me that must be created, at that moment. I am often compelled to create something from my heart that speaks volumes, at least to me. Never enjoying painting as an assignment or theme, I express my love for a vibrant whole by attacking in layers of richness, then pattern and then trying it all together with my beloved photos. Is it collage? Perhaps. But to me it is a work of art, mine. When someone falls in love with one of my works I find exhilaration and a special connection that person.

My life has also been centered in social work, clinical and outreach. Having worked in those agencies serving women and children, my feminist vein is always highly charged. I consider myself a community activist. My art has a voice and if noticed or heard, that is my reward. I am very sentimental, philosophically positive, an activist, feminist, and usually full of "great ideas." Translating this into art makes my paintings full of stories, history and possibilities.

Time has limited my constant involvement in many areas. At this time I am dedicated to reviving the visual arts of the MFAC, and then, revisiting a commitment to open space preservation in Milford. I know that I am on the right track when little ones paint just for me, little presents of paint on paper, because they know!"

--Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright, a multi-faceted woman, has an exuberance for life, this is the precursor to her art. Her creations show this exhilaration, her exuberance, her zest for life and her love of art. For to her, art is an expression that leads everyone to a different world, a different place that only the imagination can take you if you allowed it to.

The fluidness she has in each piece creates your mood for you. One can see the movement through the strokes of the paint. In one painting it is as if the wind is blowing leaves around and you find yourself grasping hold of your sweater as to protect yourself as the wind blows by. In her still life series you can see the veins in the vase, the thorns on the roses almost smell the scent of each flower.

"Sweetheart Bouquet" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

The vibrancy of each color she uses reflects the energy she carries with her and can be felt when she enters a room....like a rush, a breath of fresh air!

"Old Chair" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Ms. Wright's concerns for the environment is shown in her work, the open space she strives to protect for others to enjoy in the future. She meticulously labels each tree she paints with its correct name making sure the viewer knows each and where these trees are found. You know you have connected with her energy that somehow absorbed into each brush stroke, each painting when your senses go reeling as you look at it.

"Island" - mixed media - by Elizabeth B. Wright

Because you find yourself in the exact spot where she stood painting them, taking in the scents of the surrounding foliage, flowers, grass, water, and air. Oh, the open space how precious! And that is what she wants you to feel, to accept whatever message is being given to you...

Ms. Wright's work is filled with messages, each piece just as multi-faceted as she. There is much more to her than what is seen. Her art work reflects this as well. The only way to experience this is to join us as we celebrate her -- Thursday, October 6th - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm -- meet Elizabeth Wright and learn more...

Elizabeth B. Wright will be exhibiting her work from October 1st through October 31st at SoBoBo Gallery. A must see to truly understand...An opening reception will be on Thursday, October 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in conjunction with October's Art Stroll and Firehouse Gallery's opening reception for their new exhibit "Four Seasons." An added event...enjoy the horse and buggy rides that will be available by Maple View Farms from Orange, CT.

SoBoBo Gallery is located at 42 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford, CT. Gallery hours: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday please call for an appointment.