IRENE STAPLEFORD
Painting, for me, has always been a means to record an emotion or memory, with color providing significant emotional atmosphere.
In serial groups of paintings, I explore playful Mother Goose imagery with an ironic sensibility, invent dreamy portrayals of Humpty Dumpty engaging in yoga or just thinking about things, present natural and botanical forms both observed and borrowed from vintage sources, give form to powerful yet everyday sights and objects, and assemble humorous portraits of surreal, vintage men and women in imagined colorscapes.
I am interested in the strength and particularity of memory, and the human phenomenon of carrying certain memories, whether accurate or flawed, with us throughout our lives.
"No detail that enters the mind, nor the smallest instance of memory, ever really leaves it, and the things we had thought forgotten will arise suddenly to consciousness years later, or, undetected, shape the course of our lives."
-- from Susan Griffin, A Chorus of Stones
My paintings vary widely in size, from 3 inches to 5 feet, and sometimes utilize image transfer or collage. Painterly, joyful, thoughtful and lighthearted are adjectives which I hope come to mind when viewing my artwork.
Works by Irene Stapleford are available in our online shop! learn more
Irene also enjoys stitching up re-purposed, felted wool and cashmere sweaters to create soft, colorful handbags and small zip and flap pouches with unique appliqué, embroidery and vintage button details.