Jamie Cook

While viewing the art of Jamie Cook ones first impression is the simplicity of the shapes and forms, but on closer inspection one can easily be pulled into the depth and texture that parallels this simplicity.  These paintings are highly tactile and beg to be touched, with patches of texture appearing and disappearing beneath the murky surface.

In this body of work entitled ‘Oil and Water’ Cook challenges herself by manipulating two basic colors that seem to dance in harmony, like oil and water, not quite mixing.  But having a co-dependent relationship on the picture’s plane.

No one color dominates the other.  But both are needed to coexist.  Despite the lack of primary hues these paintings project strong, bold feelings to the viewer.  This truly is evidence of Cooks mastery of shape, form and non-color.

The impression, when confronted with this work is that beyond the familiar, there is something unknown and greater; something that you can only reach by way of the painting.