Val Rossman

Artist Statement
The quote above was written over 15 years ago and still holds true. After 30 years of continuously creating art, I often wonder what new insights I bring to my work. I tell my students that we each have our own ”circle” in life. As we grow and have many experiences we venture out of our personal circle, but always return to make our circle deeper and more varied; there are additions, ruts, grooves, colors and marks that enhance one’s space.

My art is a chaotic blend of chance and careful planning which is an apt metaphor for life. Each painting or pastel drawing is a map leading to an adventure of color, mark, and space. The making of the mark whether expressive, aggressive, lyrical or exuberant is crucial. There are references to nature but my primary interest is in capturing the feeling. I embrace the unpredictable interferences as interruptions to the luscious color and controlled lines. Taking risks as part of my creative process energizes my work and keeps it fresh and exciting.

Bio
Val Rossman received her BFA from Tyler School of Art and her MCAT from Hahnemann Medical College. From 1976 - 1982, she worked as an art therapist at Einstein Medical Center and Hospital in Philadelphia.

Val is currently represented by Gross McCleaf Gallery, Longview Gallery, Washington, D.C., and West Branch Gallery, VT. Her work is in many private and public collections and she has had multiple exhibitions at institutions including Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, Glassboro State College, NJ, Gross McCleaf Gallery, Katharina Rich Perlow Gallery, NY, Main Line Art Center, the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Rosenfeld Gallery, the State Museum of PA, Wayne Art Center, West Branch Gallery, VT, and Woodmere Art Museum. She has been teaching since 1992, beginning as a guest lecturer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and has taught at River Arts, VT, Main Line Art Center and currently is teaching at Woodmere Art Museum and Wayne Art Center.