Destination Bedford offers big, bold and unforgettable experiences. You’ll see stunning beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hear stories of bravery that will take your breath away at the National D-Day Memorial.
by Suzanne Paddock
Out of their normal bounds regarding themes, subject matter, technique and materials, this collection of watercolors by Perri Mason and oils by Suzanne V Paddock, represents experimentation to encourage individual artistic growth. It explores personally unfamiliar, uncomfortable, unknown territory and reflects the struggles and triumphs of moving out of the safety and comfort that each artist normally operates in.
Mason is accomplished, award winning, and a very popular pet portrait artist. Stepping out of the criteria that led to this success, she decided to explore different techniques. She loosened up and allowed the fates to make some decisions in her world of controlled chaos. She tried on provocative and may or may not have let her humorous side break out – it’s there with or without her permission.
Paddock’s brushstroke and palette create pieces that are easily recognized as hers. To move beyond her set structure, she decided to explore different mediums and themes. She went for latex paint and pastels. She considered more exciting ways of applying paint. She has even started to get a bit political.
“Out of Bounds” came from an offhand comment that was quickly snatched up and completely taken advantage of. It was nurtured in the spirit of leaping without looking and having faith in your gifts regardless of outcome. It is an exhibit with the strongest intentions of connecting with viewers about the idea that the arts are a playground for the mind. Mason and Paddock have been exhibiting together in two women shows, and as members of an art gallery co-op for the past four years. They thoroughly enjoy the stress that only sharing a creative adventure can bring. They now share the Red Door studio on the third floor at the Bower Center and are actively plotting their next career moves. There may be some pushing around going on too.
For commissions and sales contact Perri Mason at perri.paints@gmail.com and Suzanne V Paddock at svpaddock@gmail.com . For future happenings and more information, find each artist and like them on Facebook , and also view their websites perrimason.com and suzannevpaddock.com . For live interaction, come by the studio by chance or by appointment, and remember to visit Bedford’s arts community open receptions every 2nd Friday 5-8pm.