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| STATEMENT |
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In my current work, I attempt to portray moments inspired by reflections from the surrounding environment. I explore interesting ways to interpret my observations, which are conscious and/or subconscious through tactical abstraction. Such imagery is drawn from objects or impressions that are intangible but perceptible, such as shadows formed from architectural structures and distant landscapes. As I progress find the subconscious taking over at the jumping off point of the paintings.
My style is characterized by layered compositions, permeated with soothing color arrangements. The palette I employ indicates a natural gravitation to deep shades of blue, orange and red, yet juxtaposed with bold complimentary colors and the incorporation of white to create contrast and depths in space and texture. Such stylistic expansion is resultant of my attempt to create strong works of art in which colors play off one another, lending to a multifaceted interplay between subtle gradations of tones and hues.
Palpable depth and surface texture are accentuated through my use of a palette knife, lending to a multi-dimensional feel. My paintings are layered with multiple applications of paint using sturdy foam brushes that provide seamless brushstrokes, which affords the movement and depth in the overall composition.
My experimentation with abstraction is an ongoing process as I continuously strive to challenge my style and technique in effort to develop new ways of visually translating various subject matters. I employ a process that opens my mind to figural experimentation and conceptual principles. This procedure, coupled with acute attention to detail, culminates in captivating works filled with textural and visual intricacies that guide the eye through the composition. The viewer is thus invited to engage in a visual experience enabling them to delve into all of the minute complexities inherent in the painting, ultimately affording perceptual stimulus and a lasting impression. |
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| BIOGRAPHY |
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Raymond Difley has explored the precepts of art since childhood. Difley received a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Liberal Studies from CSU Hayward. His career has afforded numerous solo and group shows in and around the Bay Area. Notable exhibitions include a two-person show at 66 balmy, Prelude at Public Glass where Difley's paintings were featured among five participating artists, Art Gotham's By the Light of the Chandelier in New York and California Modern's, The Best of California Modern Gallery 2006. He has also appeared in several publications, most notably the Fine Arts Magazine and the Jewish Bulletin of Northern California. Today, in addition to being an exhibiting artist, Difley is an art teacher at an elementary school in San Mateo, which assists in nurturing his creative aspirations.
Innate aptitude and invaluable influences have jointly fostered Difley's artistic evolution. A respected college professor impelled his decision to become a professional artist by commenting on his profound connection to the canvas. His prominent influences include such artist as Jackson Pollock for emotionality he exuded both in execution and resulting composition, Anselm Kiefer for his style and monumental artworks, and Wassily Kandinsky his stylistic choices in color, shape and design. Difley has and continues to work tirelessly at refining his craft, responding to an instinctual urge for creative expression that has evolved into his lifes vocation. |
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| EDUCATION |
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Art Single Subject Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University, 1996.
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University, 1996.
Bachelor of Arts, Art and Liberal Studies, California State University,
Hayward, 1994. |
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| REPRESENTATION |
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| SOLO EXHIBITS |
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San Francisco Open Studios, San Francisco, October 2006 - 1999.
Propeller, March - June 2004.
Culturevulture.net Gallery of Fine Arts, Featured Artist, Art pick of the week, San Francisco, May 2001.
San Francisco Open Studios, San Francisco, October 1995.
University Union, California State University, Hayward, October 1994.
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| GROUP EXHIBITS |
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Senses, San Francisco, CA, October, 2006.
California Modern Gallery, Best of California Modern,August 2006.
California Modern Gallery, Geometrical Deconstruction, January 2006.
Ligne Roset, San Francisco, CA, November 2005.
Vessel Summertime II, Berkeley, CA, July 2005.
Art Gotham Gallery Hidden Treasures New York, March 2005.
Art Gotham Gallery, Light Under the Chandelier, New York, January 2005.
Off-Market Gallery Holiday Show Curated by Elizabeth Starr, December 2004.
Propeller Holiday Show, December-January 2004-2005.
Public Glass Gallery Prelude Juried by Therese F. Martin, September 2004.
Pieces Gallery, July 2003 - February 2005.
66 Balmy methid: Paintings for Lucid Dreams Two Man Show, March 2003.
Gallery Route One January Juried Show (18th Annual Juried Show), January 2003.
gallery>go<, invention with color, January 2003
The Hatch Gallery, FreeBase, Los Angeles, September 2001.
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| ARTICLES |
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Pottery Barn, Early Fall Catalog, Overwhelmingly Calm, July 2005.
MOCO San Francisco-Modern Contemporary Design, Featured Artist, March 2005.
Inside City Limits, October 1 - 4, 2003.
The Fine Arts Magazine, Featured Emerging Artist Interview, July 2003. |
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| OTHER INFO |
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| SCHOOL INFO |
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