Elayne Goodman

Elayne Goodman Artist Statement

The genesis of my art style comes from my childhood in rural Mississippi. In the depression era we had limited materials and time for creativity. I learned to waste neither.

I have done this style of art since I was a teenager. Since I had never seen other art work of this nature, I felt it was unacceptable in the art world. I never showed or offered it for sale until 1990. I am a self-taught artist but in my 40’s I worked part-time for a degree and graduated at age forty-nine with a BFA. The art faculty at MUW convinced me that my style had merit and encouraged me to show my work.

My work is characterized by exceptionally high content and color. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. I do have some recurring motifs such as Elvis, Bible stories, and Fish. I select used materials and attempt to give them new life by forcing the viewer to see them in a new context. Other than paint, glue, screws, etc. all materials are recycled. My husband and I devote a lot of time finding material at flea markets, auctions, and garage sales. I regard everything as potential art material and am shameless in my search. My family and friends frequently contribute as well.

The starting point of a piece is usually a piece of material I want to use. I allow the material to suggest a theme and begin with no concrete plan for the final design. A work may take two days or two years. I frequently allow a stalled piece to wait months for just the right material to finish it. The most difficult part is finding a stopping place. I say that I stop when God tells me to. My critics say God is often too slow in speaking to me.