Painting

Vignette: Dru Pilmer - Open Studio Weekend Artist

“In all existence, there is nothing truly static
—change is the only constant.” – Dru Pilmer

"Tumbling" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 14x18in, 2017, $375

"Tumbling" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 14x18in, 2017, $375

Abstract art is very often a direct expression of strong emotion, and Dru Pilmer views those emotions as a meaningful connection to the natural world, particularly in the organic rhythms that are integral to our environment.

“My work is about the emotions and movement of energy that pulsates in the natural world. One way of thinking about energy is that it is the power to make something happen. In painting, I draw from my experience as a voice teacher, an actor, and a musical theatre dancer to communicate emotion through color and movement.   In all these forms, I'm most curious about improvisation and the energy that is ignited in discovery. Movement is central to improvisation. In all existence, there is nothing truly static—change is the only constant. There is a continuous exchange of sub-atomic particles in matter—matter that includes us, the things of this Earth, other planets, stars, and galaxies. This knowledge, at once disconcerting and consoling, speaks to a greater mysterious connection.” 

"Lovenado 2" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 12x9in, 2017, $175

"Lovenado 2" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 12x9in, 2017, $175

“My hope as a painter is that the energetic feeling of improvisation and movement translated into color and form reaches the viewer, evoking something of the greater mysteries of existence, the natural world, and the struggles of human experience; and that my explorations transforms my experience first as a human being, and then, as a painter.” 

Pilmer currently has paintings on exhibit at the Hyatt Andaz Boutique Hotel, Savannah, Georgia, and in Louisville, Kentucky at Bistro 301 on Market Street and the Camel Gallery & Lounge, Bistro 1860 on Mellewood Avenue through August 31, 2018

Dru Pilmer will be participating in the 2017 Open Studio Weekend, sponsored by Louisville Visual Art and University of Louisville’s Hite Art Institute. Her pop-up studio at the Green Building Gallery in the NuLu neighborhood will be open the weekend of November 4 and 5. Tickets for Open Studio Weekend will go on sale October 16. Click here for more information.

Hometown: Blackwater, Mississippi
Education: MFA, University of Louisville; BFA Mississippi University for Women; extensive study with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts
Instagram: drupilmerart

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"Eye of Calm" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 12x12in, 2017, $250

"Eye of Calm" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 12x12in, 2017, $250

"Year of Battle" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 10x10in, 2017, $175

"Year of Battle" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 10x10in, 2017, $175

"The Conversation" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 30x30in, 2017, $1,430

"The Conversation" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 30x30in, 2017, $1,430

"Year of Challenge" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 10x10in, 2017, NFS

"Year of Challenge" by Dru Pilmer, acrylic on canvas, 10x10in, 2017, NFS

Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2017 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.

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