Diamonds In The Ocean 2022

Curator: Looking at "Diamonds In The Ocean," a 2022 oil painting by Terri Kelly Moyers, I’m immediately struck by its luminosity. Editor: It certainly evokes a sense of fleeting light and atmosphere, capturing the coastal moment. The brushwork appears direct, even brisk. Curator: Yes, Moyers is known for her plein-air approach. What's compelling to me is the way she manipulates the oil paint itself to represent both the solidity of the rocks and the fluidity of the ocean. The surface shows signs of layering, reworking… revealing a tactile process. This almost industrial material is fashioned into delicate representations of light hitting the water. Editor: From a historical viewpoint, one can consider this painting as part of a long tradition of marine painting. It speaks to humanity's fascination with the ocean, especially its untamable character. It reminds me how seascapes played a significant role in shaping national identity. These depictions of coastlines weren't just about aesthetic beauty, but were often commissioned by colonial powers to illustrate new territorial holdings. Curator: Absolutely. It's worth considering that this piece also circulates within a contemporary art market driven by consumerism, unlike those earlier works. How might its status as a commodity affect how viewers understand the natural world represented here? And what kind of access do people have to experience this coastal environment firsthand versus vicariously through such artworks? Editor: Those are excellent points about access and consumerism shaping contemporary understanding. Paintings such as this are more frequently exhibited at gallery openings catered to a collector base rather than a public forum. Curator: Ultimately, despite any historical precedents, this oil painting exists as a discrete object produced through physical labour – brushstrokes of pigmented oil across a support that prompts questions regarding production, perception, and our interaction with landscapes. Editor: In short, viewing art involves a multifaceted approach – history, social environment, or technical applications. "Diamonds In The Ocean" is captivating for many reasons.