At the end of the day my work is a transcript of the ineffable conversation I have, alone in my studio, with the paint. I listen very intently to silence. I witness my own mind interacting with the larger entity of human consciousness. I attempt a sort of out of body experience to observe the constant and irresistible, synaptic flows and tides of my sensations and thoughts. This art is the tangible evidence of this. Each painting is an essay on the tension between, change and stasis, the disconnectedness and connectedness, of associations I make. Using the language of composition, color and shape I make visible evidence of the construct of my thinking. The abstractions represent real, remembered or imagined stimuli -- which fall into becoming hierarchies of conceptions that influence actions and reactions. They’re in the past, present and future. They represent what’s possible and what’s impossible.
This is why I believe abstract art will always be relevant and important, and why I’m committed to this work. Abstraction is an exercise in freedom of thought. A conscious removal of proscribed interpretations that bind our thoughts on one most basic level, communication through the sense of sight. Making abstract art is one method to practice liberation of the mind. An opportunity to observe the choices we make with potential freedom. A chance to know ourselves better by self-witnessing chosen interpretations of an object we set our eyes upon in the phenomenal world.
My abstractions aren’t esoteric, cryptic notes to an exclusive group of cultural elites. I design my work for anyone to enjoy and benefit from exposure. My abstract work could raise awareness in the individual about the role they play in making their own choices. Choices in our interpretations, actions and reactions as sentient beings. We make decisions based on our intellectual data, but we could become of another level of choices. My artwork invites a more expansive consciousness that’s uncarved and yet more stable. Cognition leads to perception giving way to thoughts and actions. Those who view or live with my paintings, my collectors and other spectators have given unsolicited testimony that my art work is enlightening or at least makes them feel spiritually uplifted and has a positive effect on their consciousness and mood. If I’m able to bring five minutes of pleasure or peace to those who experience my work, then I’ve succeeded as an artist.
Each time I begin painting, I use my beginner’s mind. Just as my art is universal across cultural borders and across time -- in a future cultural context my work will still have meaning. Abstraction is my practice of liberation of the life of my mind. A way to unlearn lies our eyes could tell.
Thank you! so much for looking at my site and taking the time to discover my work.
Sincerely, Scott Jeffrey Cousins
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Click: Newest: Large Oils to view new art.
Also now exhibiting - Recent: oils, watercolors and drawings.
© 2010 Scott J. Cousins / Human Paint
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