Roberta E. Laine
Complementary Blocks - Abstract Print in Blue White Orange
2021

About the Item

"Complementary Blocks" is an abstract contemporary monoprint by Texas artist Roberta E. Laine. In this one-of-a-kind print, layers of mulberry papers have been run through an etching press with hand-cut and found stencils. The papers have then been collaged together to create a playful, dynamic composition with a richly textured surface. The background of this print is a cream and light yellow color while the layers printed on top are teal and navy blue and orange-brown. For more works by Roberta E. Laine and new listings, follow our storefront at Colibri Gallery. The artist writes, "The images that I create are a result of experimentation and play. I work intuitively and make aesthetic decisions using formal properties including point of emphasis, balance, movement, and unity. I am influenced by objects that most people might discard. Intricate folds and patterns that are created by product packaging are intriguing. I unfold every box with thoughts of image potential. The flattened packages are used to create shaped templates which I ink and run through a printing press onto paper. Plywood and grocery produce bags are used to create background textures. If you look closely you may recognize some from your own shopping experience. Vinyl lettering leftovers may appear as cryptic text or aerial street views. Printing onto translucent paper allows me to layer and build depth while summoning imaginary images for the viewer to translate." Laine is a full-time artist who grew up in the Midwest and now calls Fort Worth, Texas her home. As a child, she was fortunate to have a mother who provided countless art supplies and who was also undaunted by the messes and half-finished projects that would sometimes be left behind when Laine would decide to go in a new direction. Laine was certain that she wanted to pursue a career in art in spite of her 1st Grade teacher, Mrs. Poulette, who gave her a C- for coloring outside the lines on my art project. Laine earned a B.S. of Art Education (1978) and a Masters of General Education (1995) from The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She taught visual art to public school students for 30 years, while creating her own artwork and pursuing her own creative interests during the summers at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Frogman’s Print Workshops, Milwaukee School of Art and Design, and the Marchutz School of Art in Aix-En-Provence, France. After her retirement from teaching high school studio art in 2017, she had the opportunity to teach at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in the Interior Architecture Department from 2017-2019. Since then she has been living her dream of being a full-time artist.

Creator:

Roberta E. Laine

Creation Year:

2021

Dimensions:

Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)

Medium:

Mixed Media,Mulberry Paper,Monoprint,Monotype,Stencil

Movement & Style:

Abstract

Period:

2010-