The Potomac Almanac featured the OUTLOUD Painters in November 2006. Exerpts from the interview follow:
What is the motif of the show? What is special about it?
“Painting Outside the Lines” is the fourth exhibit by a small group of abstract expressionists who work together weekly at Glen Echo Park under the guidance of artist/painter Helen Corning. The OUTLOUD! Painters found their name in a quotation from Emile Zola, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.” (1866)
The OUTLOUD! group has exhibited together previously in two shows at Glen Echo and a show in April 2006 at Touchstone Gallery in DC. Individually, at least half are professional artists and several others are art teachers or therapists. Truly unique is the way that working together year after year has strengthened the individuality of each, as will be apparent when viewing the show. The Arts Club of Washington is an elegant site for a large, dramatic show such as this and OUTLOUD! was pleased to be invited.
Where do you do most of your work? Do you prefer a bedroom, studio, outside, lot of light, little light, etc.?
We work together in the well-lighted, well appointed studio space at Glen Echo Park with classical music frequently in the background.
Favorite medium to use and why?
All use acrylic paints and some apply collage. The short drying time of acrylics enables the application of many layers of paint to form a rich canvas. It also makes it easy for a painter to change directions in a painting. Last, it is safer than most mediums in a closed space.
What do you hope viewers get out of the art show?
There is a range of interests or styles represented within this group of abstract painters. Some work offer subtle, layered mysteries that invites contemplation and meditation. Other works are sublimely and intelligently elegant luring the viewer back again and again to rethink the complex relationships. Others are full of color and movement that offer joy and energy. Perhaps all of us try to combine all of these elements to some extent.
Any local community influences in your work?
Three influences seem relevant. First, Glen Echo Park offers a host of on-going excellent artistic experiences and this group has its roots there. Second, Helen Corning, a Bethesda resident, is a gifted artist as well as teacher who never fails to inspire and provoke us to grow professionally. Last, the artists who comprise OUTLOUD! are inspired by the interaction of learning experiences between members of its own small community.