Harpies, Hybrids, and Hidden Worlds
New Contemporary Paintings by Laine Bachman
Laine Bachman was a very inquisitive child growing up in the rust belt of Ohio. Her mother is an avid gardener and Bachman loved exploring the plant life in her yard and in the woods and the creek nearby her home. Ever curious, she enjoyed peering behind the obvious, such as turning over rocks to discover the hidden worms and insects beneath them. Bachman showed an interest in art at an early age and participated in private art programs and exhibitions throughout her school years. Her fascination with plants and nature, along with an interest in mythology and folklore, is what fuels her imagination.
Bachman’s work also has a decidedly surreal tone. There is an unnatural look to her paintings with exaggerated proportions, imaginary settings, exotic flora, mythical and hybrid creatures, and her beloved harpies (Greco-Roman creatures, part woman, part bird). She paints borders on some of her paintings reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts. Bachman is inspired by French artist Henri Rosseau, known for his large-scale jungle scene paintings, Mexican surrealist Frida Kahlo, and American favorite Andrew Wyeth. Her current work can best be described as Pop Surrealism or Magical Realism if it needs categorization at all.
Bender Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC. They specialize in abstract and figurative work by regional, national, and international painters and sculptors. If you would like more information about Bender Gallery, their artists and exhibitions please call 828-505-8341 or send an email to [email protected]