Gayle Adams
U.S.A.
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U.S.A.
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"I've
always
had a vivid
imagination.
I see scenes from
patterned linoleum
floors and faces, bodies
and animal shapes jump out
at me from wood paneling and
clouds offer up whole menageries
for my ravenous
imagination."
always
had a vivid
imagination.
I see scenes from
patterned linoleum
floors and faces, bodies
and animal shapes jump out
at me from wood paneling and
clouds offer up whole menageries
for my ravenous
imagination."
_______________________________________________ Gayle Adams learned patience at an early age. Since her mother didn't want pets in their home she spent hours watching wild birds and other wildlife during her childhood in the Minnesota countryside . "I tamed every creature that would trust me", she says. "There is an old expression that says 'eyes speak volumes about trust, anger and expectation'. Body language and posture of every species, even trees and flowers, have postures that expresses emotion and communicates all we need to know." Although Gayle's parents were supportive of her artistic talents, both wanted her to become a teacher. Her mother, though not especially artistic, was intrigued by Gayle's artwork and her father, who had lost the use of his dominant hand during World War II, encouraged her to express her artistic feelings though she was never sure if he had any artistic talent of his own. "Years later", Gayle tells us, "I did become a teacher, though not the version my parents had in mind. I instead became a teacher who's willing to share what I've learned with anyone who asks." "I also became and continue to be a student", she says, "and I'm eager to learn from those willing to share with me. It keeps me humble. I feel there's always more to learn, always another way to see and express what I've been taught and seen." "I've always had a vivid imagination. I see scenes from patterned linoleum floors and faces, bodies and animal shapes jump out at me from wood paneling and clouds offer up whole menageries for my ravenous imagination. I have an ongoing record of colors, shadows and contrast and draw from memory to later create the images in my mind. Some of it is from real life and other parts from my imagination. I close my eyes and move the object around and change its expression." Early marriage and raising four daughters meant little money or time to persue an art career. "I didn't spend time and money on pretty things but rather found beauty in things around me. This, I believe, prepared me for my second child. She is profoundly autistic and mentally retarded. My husband and I were determined to keep her home for as long as possible and learn what was needed to help her. She was the piece in my life that demanded stability and forced me to learn many things. We accomplished several years of intense in-home patterning therapy and I learned how to lead others and, most importantly, how to ask for help which was needed often. I trained more than 250 people who volunteered to work with my daughter. She has touched and continues to effect more people than most people ever will in their lifetime." "Autism", Gayle continues, "is a sensory interpretation disfunction. Things which seem normal to most people are painful and often overwhelming to those who are autistic and since my daughter rarely spoke I needed to be more observant and read her reactions. I carefully watched her face and her body language for cues. The hours I spent as a child with wild animals prepared me for this child and also helped me with my father-in-law. He had had several heart attacks and strokes before I met him. When he was frustrated and unable to get his needs across to others he would often come to me. His skills were nonverbal and he mastered exaggerated facial expressions. I was willing to watch and share his unspoken language as well as the emotional and spiritual contact he needed to help fulfill his goals." When her autistic daughter reached age 21 she entered a group home where she could continue her growth. Now again, after more than 20 years, Gayle has picked up pencils and brushes to continues her artwork. "My husband, George, and four daughters have helped shape who I am now and I'm certain that some of what I create is reflected by their involvement in my life. They definitely have influenced my artwork. My daughters see things differently than most children, in my opinion, and identify with the spirit in all things. Their compassion affects everything they touch." Gayle and her husband live in the hills of western Wisconsin and she says "It's like a small Ozark Mountain range where late summers may allow one to experience a dawn with fog so thick you could cut it with a knife. Where the sun comes up rose-colored with touches of tangerine. Where every tree, bush, blade of grass and cobweb are shrouded with dew drops which reflect lush warm color. Where each particle of fog is a reflection of that color and all the world seems to have a rosy-orange glow." "July", she continues, "is humid in Wisconsin. Days are usually hot and nights muggy. The moon often comes up late and the air very clear in the early evening dark; where brilliant stars rest just above tree tops and hundreds of lightning bugs appear as if it's 'singles night' in the big city - blinking like disco strobe lights. With thick humidity the stars seem to twinkle more than usual and it's difficult to tell where the stars begin and the courting lightning bugs end. It's like being transported into a fairy tale and I feel challenged to capture the emotion on my canvas." Gayle is often asked what does she prefer to paint or draw? Her response: "Subjects with life in them like animals, people, trees or water constantly moving and changing color." What's her favorite medium? "I haven't tried all. I don't know yet." Does she have a favorite subject she prefers to draw or paint most? "Not unless you count expression of spirit.", she says "I truly love horses and koi, though anything with eyes that touch the soul makes a wonderful painting. My goal is to create an image that allows the viewer to feel the emotion I'm trying to communicate. If I've done it right they feel it and I've been successful." |
CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS: in her home for viewing her fine artworks in person. Contact artist for appointment SELECTED EXHIBITIONS: |
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