​Elaine Defibaugh **

My work explores the juxtaposition of the urban and the natural through painting.  As an artist I take a philosophical approach.  I am inspired by the existential and ethereal qualities in life. It is apparent during my observations in the natural world as I am absorbed by the visible patterns from light, shadow and texture.  I am a painter, printmaker, photographer and mixed media artist. Intermixing mediums allows for a creative interplay of the known and unknown, which then opens up a new dialogue challenging my creativity. 

At times, I am compelled to juxtapose patterns that I see in everyday life which are observed in landscape, interior spaces and fashion.  You will see this evident in my wallpaper prints.  I have printed my photographs taken from landscape on commercial wallpaper.  I also collage wallpaper and fabric on paintings and create stencils from these decorative materials.  I am interested in the interplay of the patterns created from landscape and those created in the commercial world. My inspiration is to emerge these worlds together in a cohesive interpretation of my own personal journey.

​I intend my work to suggest possible dialogues between worlds.  My life experiences from childhood, relationships, education in history, science, travel, my social interactions, culture, and finally, in technological and medical arenas make me hopeful that such a conversation is possible.  My work uses line, shape, form, color and movement to suggest this prospect.  I strive to create an animated experience for the observer so that my work and viewers are enlivened.