Artist’s Statement: elise du pont zoller

A Brief Note on This Year's Work

Recently, I have had the opportunity to spend some time at Tufts University's teaching farm just West of Boston. There they house a wide variety of animals raised for teaching, breeding, and the pure pleasure of their looks. The wild feathers of the Araucana chickens and the soft variations of the cream colored wool of the Dorset sheep are only a few examples you will see of this beautiful variety in this year's paintings.

The animals on this farm are also unique in their relatively comfortable relationships with humans. Because of their frequent contact with the Tufts' students, the animals are curious and engaged. Several of the paintings depict personalities that are strong enough to be a favorite Aunt, but originate in a far different source.

You will see a few new human portraits in this year's gallery, which I hope you will enjoy as well.

Biography

Painting is a chance to explore light, shadow, and color as they play across a landscape, a face, or an arrangement of objects. The greatest luxury is the opportunity to look at something for a long time and come to know it well.

From 1976 to 1980, I attended Princeton University from which I received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. For the last 25 years, I have lived in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Utah, Washington, Hawaii, and the Kingdom of Jordan doing more odd and interesting jobs than I can shake a stick at. Life has been complex and fascinating.

While in Utah, I studied studio art and portraiture at the University of Utah for four years with Paul Davis (MFA, Boston University), John Erikson (MFA, Yale University) and Brad Slaugh (MFA, Boston University).

I feel truly fortunate to be able to work at what I love best, painting.

About The Gallery At First Parish

The Gallery At First Parish opened September 17, 2000.

Its purpose, as described by the founders:

The mission of The Gallery At First Parish is to add another dimension
to the spiritual fabric of our lives by exhibiting the work of visual artists
who seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The Gallery is intended to be a service to the parish, the artist and the wider community.
It is open to the public without charge 9 AM – 4 PM weekdays, and 9 AM – 12:30 PM Sundays.
Gallery exhibits are listed in the First Parish Event Calendar.

Gallery Exhibits

Gallery Committee

Mary Jo Rines
Winky Merrill
Toni Junkin
Carol Hinckley
Karen MacDuffie
Betty Lou Marple
Wendy Wrean
Ellen Touart-Grob