Local Artist to Debut "Confetti Circus"

“Confetti Circus,” the latest work of Deer Park mixed-media artist Teri Dryden, will open on May 15th at Swanson Contemporary in NuLu. Dryden's paintings have been described as "abstract but accessible," inviting the viewer to explore the details of the compact worlds she creates with paper and acrylic paint on panels. Dryden describes herself as "highly process oriented," and passionate about pushing herself and the materials, interacting with them by layering paint and paper, creating open spaces, altering and adjusting, scratching, sanding and marking the surface until she feels the composition and balance force an emotional reaction. “It is terrifying not knowing what a piece will look like until it feels right," she said, "but being aware and open, taking risks, as well as struggling in the studio allows me to have a more meaningful painting experience and often leads to moments of true self discovery.” In this current series, she describes the colorful collection of abstracts as “kind of an exuberant celebration” of her recent emergence from a debilitating battle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of clinical depression.
 She and her husband moved to Louisville from Los Angeles in 2010, and she admits that adjusting to the relatively harsh winters has been a struggle, but now feels she has the condition under control. Gallery owner Chuck Swanson said he is "very excited" about Dryden's second show in his space. "Teri keeps growing and finding her unique voice," he said. "We're very lucky to have an artist of her talent here in Louisville, and I'm honored and delighted to show her very special work." The opening reception for ‘Confetti Circus’ is from 6-9 p.m. on May 15, and the show will be featured in the First Friday Trolley Hop on June 5. The show closes on June 15. Swanson’s Contemporary Gallery is at 638 East Market in the heart of NuLu. Call 502-589-5466 for information.