Art Quench Gallery Announces Marian Yap The Winner of the Dec.2013 “Spirit of Winter” International Art Competition

Marian Yap has won one year of representation with AQ Gallery with her Spirit of Winter inspired mixed media painting SHIMO.

We are pleased to welcome Marian Yap to the Art Quench Family.

Marian Yap

Growing up in New York City was a great experience and has influenced my outlook on art and life. There was amazing access to museums and other cultural institutions and the energy of the city was always present.

I have lived in California for many years now where I am close to both a major urban area and the beautiful Pacific Ocean, surrounded by incredible natural beauty. I am able to draw from many cultures for inspiration that influences my artwork, such as the Japanese concepts of wabi sabi and notan, and of haiku poetry. My current series of Haiku Thread paintings reflect that influence.

The Winning Art Piece

Using vintage thread from the days when my father worked as a milliner in New York City, and stitching through the canvas over collaged paper, I have created a series of paintings that express my haiku ideals of awareness of the moment and of simplicity.

I call this series of paintings “Haiku Threads” and I try to follow some of the basic conventions of haiku – such as using the seasons as a basis for a poem or a painting, or I will borrow from a Japanese ideal – such as wabi sabi. Sometimes just a word will inspire me – such as hibiki (echo).

The painting, SHIMO – Frost, began as a representation of winter. As I worked on it I was able to convey a feeling of the cold and how the heavy frost or snow of winter envelopes the landscape to where only some remnants of life are visible. I wanted the minimalism of the painting to prevail and I hope that I have succeeded in doing so. – Marian Yap

Juror Monica Hicks…

I select Marian Yap. The medium says it is paper, and I am in awe of how flat, and yet meaningful the creases and layering of this material is. Works with paper tend to be more three-dimensional, and yet I view this piece as very sculptural. ‘It is what is invisible to the eye that is essential.’ I find the monochrome layers of paper, consciously divided into planes and speaking certainly of the spirit of winter, to be an effective use of material and a well done exercise in restraint.

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This first competition was focused upon the abstract. ArtQuench competitions are themed, focusing on special interest areas each month.

The winner of the Competitions receive one year of representation with AQ Gallery. The winner will also receive publication in both ArtQuenchMagazine.com and On Purpose Magazine.

ArtQuench Magazine and Gallery were created by Stacia Gates an artist, wife and mother who has worked for many years in the entertainment industry.

“As an artist it is my love of art in all forms that has brought me to this place. I have created ArtQuenchMagazine.com as a platform for the best creators in the world to show their work. We will include everything from painters to bridge builders. Our goal is to share the creative happenings with the world in hope of inspiring us all. “ – Stacia

Read the original story and see the other artists in the competition at artquenchmagazine.com/2013/02/26/art-quench-gallery-announces-marian-yap-the-winner-of-the-dec-2013-art-competition/