Hello, I'm M.Purvis.
My interest in ecology reveals itself in my paintings through the unlikely combination of over-sized human forms, especially hands, and delicate trees. They aren’t merely juxtaposed, but woven together, inseparable. This combination tells two stories. One is the unavoidable truth of the power man is able to wield over nature. The other is the vital connection between humans and nature, and our responsibility to protect, support and replenish this gift we’ve been given. Since 2005, while my work has evolved, it has always addressed the fundamental values of sustainability, emphasizing ecological importance over economic. Over the last ten years I have experimented with other materials beyond acrylic paint, both to challenge myself as well as to push the boundaries of traditional painting. These include charcoal, graphite and water-based pastels and, more recently, thread and fabric. The latter creates a connection to memory, home and nurturing, and compels the viewer to get closer and examine the unexpected added depth and texture. My latest body of work begins with painting colorful layers of acrylic paint and gesso onto canvas, creating a smooth surface for details to stand out. My palette consists of six primary colors and an abundance of white. After completing the background, I use soft charcoal or graphite to sketch out figurative landscapes. The first layer of paint involves watered-down acrylic over the drawing, leaving behind faint lines that form my composition. Using dabs of color with a flat brush, I blend paint on the canvas—wet on wet—leaving some of the full-strength pigment to show through. After building layers of paint, I add graphite, charcoal, pastel or thread to define key areas. For finishing, I seal each piece with a matte fixative, and frame canvases with raw maple wood. I transport my audience to a dreamlike world where the familiar becomes strange and the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred. The combination of over-sized human forms and delicate trees is an important reminder of our duty to protect. I know that my work resonates with people in a profound way highlighting the importance of sustainability in every day life.