Uta-Maria Krapf

Painting is for me a metaphorical expression of my interpretation of reality. To the viewer, my work is likely seen as nonobjective, as it is not a literal depiction of any act, scene or being, and does not tell a story. It is an abstraction of my own notions of forms beyond the finite ones we recognize. The forms I use are determined by those that I see, but are tempered by the idea that form, in and of itself, carries content. The forms are therefore revised, refined and often stylized in order to allow them to interact on the painted surface as elements that communicate through a non-literal format.

My choice of media is often one that includes those not understood as traditional. For the past few years, I have been experimenting with mixing various pigments into gesso (traditionally used as a surface preparation for paintings) and using this mixture as my paint. The ability for the pigments to intermix with the chosen medium, as well as these mixtures to intermix with each other are several criteria I use in making my choices. Over time, the colors in my paintings have become increasingly intense. The brilliance of the colors produced through these mixtures is my primary consideration in determining which combinations to use.

I am currently using stretched muslin as my painting substrate. It is lighter in weight and texture than canvas. This lightness allows a smoothness of paint application and rather than being partially absorbed, as with heavier cloth, the paint stays on the surface of the muslin, making the colors appear luminous.

Bio

b. 1957, St. Joseph, Missouri
BA, MA, MFA, The University of Iowa

Uta’s fascination with formalism is evident in her paintings. A non-literal interpretation of forms beyond the finite ones we recognize is the intention of her work. Light, color as light, and representation of dimension on the painting surface are important considerations in the creation of this work. Uta’s work has been shown in galleries in the US and abroad, and is included in numerous private and public collections. She lives, paints and teaches in Alabama.