Primordial Hawaii 2016

Editor: Terri Kelly Moyers’ “Primordial Hawaii,” painted in 2016, captures a very serene coastal scene using oil on what looks like canvas. I am drawn to the contrast between the rough rocks in the foreground and the softness of the sky. What visual relationships stand out to you? Curator: Immediately, I see how the artist plays with texture and light. Note how the impasto technique in the clouds gives them a tangible presence, contrasting with the smoother rendering of the water. The reflections act as a visual echo, fracturing the landscape and light. Editor: Can you say more about 'impasto'? Curator: Observe how the artist has applied thick layers of paint; this is impasto. It's most obvious in the clouds, but it subtly enhances the texture of the rocks as well. Consider how this technique creates physical depth on a two-dimensional surface. And, going back to those reflections, what do they signify compositionally? Editor: Maybe it's about symmetry, echoing forms between land and sky, creating a sense of balance within what could otherwise be a chaotic landscape? Curator: Precisely. The reflection is not merely mimetic; it reinforces the overall structure of the painting. Furthermore, look closely at the colour palette; it’s relatively subdued, primarily blues, greys and browns. How does the limitation affect your reading? Editor: Limiting the colour palette directs the eye toward the nuances in texture and tone, emphasizing the overall calmness. Curator: It's as if the artist aims to capture not just a visual representation, but also a feeling – a specific, contemplative atmosphere. Examining the formal choices of the artist truly enrich how one experiences a piece. Editor: I agree. Shifting focus to composition helps me to more clearly articulate what I appreciate in this artwork.