Stanford Slutsky is an American artist, born in Pittsburgh, PA where at a young age he unearthed clay and started to make sculptures. In High school Stanford won numerous awards in jewellery designing and art. He moved to Florida 31 years ago where he became a full time working and producing artist. Most recent solo exhibitions to mention a few are, Coral Springs Museum of Art, The Ft Lauderdale Art Institute, Nathan D. Rosen Museum, Ft Lauderdale Museum of Art, and many more.

Did you study art? If so, where?

No. I am proud to say I am a self-taught artist. Being a visual person you could say I studied in the world of nature.

Why do you like Op Art?

As a child, magicians and magic acts fascinated me. There was something about the illusions they created that captured my imagination. I want that same vivid sense of illusions to be central in my artwork.

How do you make your art? Do you use a computer?

No computer. I use any devise I can to sketch the idea that is on my mind. Being a self taught artist I create the thing out of my imagination and one piece leads me to another. When I am creating is when I am at peace and the happiest.

What’s the process for making one of your artworks?

My most recent body of work is of mixed media. After sketching my idea I then start cutting wooden dowels or medium density fiberboard to the length and shape I desire and then start mixing acrylic paints to apply. The paint is applied after much sanding and priming of the wood.

Any other art you like and other artists that inspire or have inspired you?

I am inspired by Victor Vasarely and Yaccov Agam, but I appreciate all forms of art.

How would you describe your art?

Today, all of my artwork creates the illusion of three-dimensionality and movement. I achieve these effects by juxtaposing hard-edged color patterns that disrupt the normal process of vision. Some shapes of color may seem to advance and then recede and others appear to pulsate in waves. It is a passionate and painstaking, semi-scientific approach to painting and mixed media constructions based on the manipulation of optical devices, and one which depends on subtle color gradations, systematic chromatic harmonic lines and shapes.

You can find out more about Stanford and see more of his art on his website stanfordslutsky.com.

Stanford is represented in Florida by Vertu Fine Art.

Vertu Fine Art
5250 Town Center Circle
Suite 128
Boca Raton, Florida 33486
Tel.561.368.4680
Email:gary@vertufineart.com
Webpage: vertufineart.com

Polly Merredew is an artist living and working in the UK and we’re delighted to be presenting some of her work this month.  You can see more of Polly’s work on her Facebook page and website (which is currently being redone) via the links at the bottom of this page.

Did you study art? If so, where?

I studied Fine Art at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, achieving a BA (Hons) in Fine Art in 2003.

Why do you like Op Art?

I love colour and am fascinated with the way spatial depth and movement can be created by the use of colour relationships. I am interested in how the same composition can be used but changing the colours can create a very different outcome.

The idea of invoking a physical reaction or sensation in the viewer through clever use of colour intrigues me. Standing in front of a Bridget Riley painting makes me feel overwhelmed, inspired, and curious and excited…I want to make other people feel that way when they look at my work. I also like the fact that you don’t need any specialist art knowledge to enjoy Op Art and many people seem to either love it or hate it!

How do you make your art?

All my paintings are planned using paint and paper. I like working with materials, mixing the colours and producing something tangible that I can work with in planning the final piece.

A painting usually begins with an idea of the colour relationships that I would like to explore. From there I begin to mix colours, making swatches or colour charts that I can move around in order to investigate how the different colours will interact with each other.

Once I have an idea of how I might want the painting to work I go ahead and make it! This is quite a risky way of working as I really have no idea how the finished piece will look. This is part of the fun and excitement for me as things often happen that I cannot anticipate. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. I have several paintings that will never see the light of day in my studio!

What’s the process for making one of your artworks?

Once I have decided the final composition I will draw it up onto canvas. This can take hours as the measurements have to be so precise and I often have to draw and redraw to get it accurate. From there I will use tape to mask off certain areas and start to paint. I like to achieve clean lines between painted areas but will leave small marks to distinguish it as a handmade piece. Once I have painted the whole piece I will spend hours looking at it, repainting areas that I am not happy with until I am satisfied it is finished. I do find it hard to walk away – I’m such a perfectionist.

Any other art you like and other artists that inspire or have inspired you?

I love the work of many artists… to name a few: Ian Davenport, Polly Apfelbaum, Monet. I also stumbled across an artist called Piero Dorazio whilst on holiday in Greece a few years ago who totally inspired me.

I love designers such as Kaffe Fassett, Orla Kiely, Amy Butler and Cath Kidston who all work with colour and pattern in a bold and beautiful way.

What do you like doing outside of your artwork?

I just love being creative so will try my hand at anything. I love to sew, particularly patchwork and also make cards. I also have 2 small children who keep me extremely busy and inspire me every day with their wonder and awe at the world.

Contact details:

Email: polly_merredew [AT] btinternet.com
Website: www.pollymerredew.co.uk (currently under construction)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PollyMerredew