In the Cloister Gallery January 8-February 8

"Works from the Respite Series"
by Christine O'Brien

North Shore artist Christine O'Brien's exhibit of mixed media works, "Respite: Patterns and Places Real and Imagined," is on display in the Cloister Gallery through Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Work from the series combines pixels with traditional fine art materials. The hybrid artworks incorporate digital imagery and photography with acrylics, collage, and other media to create layers of texture and abstract meaning.

O'Brien combines diverse materials through an intuitive process of experimental and alternative printmaking techniques. In each piece there is a unique surface, and a synergy between materials not evident until all of the pieces of the puzzle are in place.

After spending years designing marketing communications pieces mired in messaging, Christine O'Brien finds respite from spin in these abstract nature pieces. "Everywhere I look, there are signs, directions, calls for action. Buy this, write your senator about that. Join our cause. It can be overwhelming. So when I create, I want to make art that allows my eyes to follow their own path, to formulate my own thoughts, and find my own meaning. I want to get lost in a visual where I can hear myself think, where there is no specific agenda."

"Respite: Patterns and Places Real and Imagined" has, at its core, digital photography, shot by O'Brien in places as varied as the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and the streets of New York City. Inspired by nature, even in the city, she seeks the essence of a place, and layers many images together in Photoshop until a new composition is derived. Rather than a literal replication, O'Brien tries to create a memory of the patterns, colors, and senses she felt at the time of the visit.

O’Brien began her artistic career in 1997 as a commercial graphic designer, creating print and online marketing materials for more than 10 years. Her use of digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator play a prominent part in her work. In 2007 she left the corporate world to focus solely on art, and since then she has participated in several group shows and juried exhibitions. She is a member of the South End gallery Galatea, the Salem Arts Association, and LynnArts. Her studio is in the Porter Mill artist building in Beverly.

To learn more about Christine O'Brien and her work, visit her website, www.christineobrienart.com.

Opening in the Cloister Gallery February 12
with opening reception 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.