Judith Brust
T
he process of monoprinting works well for veteran artist Judith Brust. Masonite plates are inked and then manipulated with drawing, painting, rubbing and the addition of found objects, fabric and textured bits. Then they are run through a press with paper, perhaps only once, but more often several times, as images build up. Each new layer both obscures and reveals pieces of the one that came before it, stringing together moments of experience, loss and memory. Working intently for short bursts of time, Brust allows the works to unfold as they will, intentionality giving way to random color and imagery, the conscious and the unconscious hand of the artist.
Brust's Spirit Guide series, more than 20 monoprints made over the past two years, confronts us with life's journey. She reminds us of what we already know - that living is both profoundly beautiful and meaningful - and also painful and finite. We suffer as much as we experience joy and actualization. Danger encroaches at every turn. But she holds out to us that we are not alone.
The work begs for our commitment of time and attention. What is calm and soothing to look at is also awash with meaning. Birds, the spirit guides whose wings will enfold and comfort us, are watchful and protective as we make our way past sharp fences that snag, and through the litter, muck and pollution of this postmodern world in which we live. Even the birds are troubled, banding together and pooling their strengths, but pointing the way with outstretched wing.
Works from this series run the gamut of size. Large, human scale pieces address our exterior world, drawing us into color and beautiful danger, enfolding us in wings. Small intimate pieces mirror the inner world, where true growth and change are possible. Stoic, beautiful birds again offer aid on our private journey from birth to death and rebirth. Here is a glimpse of truth and possibility, the artist helping to point the way.
Mystery also lives amid this series, encouraging us to ponder what we do not and cannot know. Studying and living with Brust's pieces raises more questions than answers. One think about the divine, grace, purpose and hope. We are engaged in this quest, as she is.
Judith Brust received her MA and MFA from SUNY Albany and has exhibited extensively along the East coast for many years. She divides her time between homes and studios in Rochester NY, Nantucket and Captiva.