Randi Markowitz – The Art Of Aspiration
Vidabeth Bensen and Forrest Greenslade, April 2024
Randi Markowitz has always been steeped in design. She earned a BS in design at Buffalo State Collage, then worked as a graphic designer in New York City. “This was before computer design became the norm, and graphic design actually involved cutting and pasting physical materials.” She continues to work as a designer and photographer here in Chatham County, “As a graphic designer, I create comprehensive branding for small to medium-sized companies, many of them in Chatham County. As a photographer, I work with real estate agents, local builders, restaurants, families, and graduating seniors.”
Randi’s mixed media art harkens back to her early cut and paste origins. “As a mixed media artist, my desire is to create a colorful, nuanced layering of natural elements that contrast, so that each piece can be interpreted in many ways. Inspiration is often whatever catches my eye – the sun streaming through trees, the brilliant red of a cardinal, the movement and shape of clouds, and the numerous shapes and textures surrounding us in daily life. I use ripped layers of paper to reveal other layers that contain bits of color, texture, or hidden messages. I paint with warm colors to create balance, depth, and harmony and I layer abstract images of flowers and trees to represent symbols of life and beauty.”
Her medium is primarily acrylic paints, acrylic pens, paper, stencils, pencils, glitter, and all types of ephemera to create the paintings. “I often try new ways to combine acrylics with papers, pens, inks, and pencils to discover different and exciting techniques. I include aspirational messages in my work. I believe words hold power, which is why each piece contains an inspirational saying or poem – sometimes exposed, sometimes hidden – always in service to creating positive feelings in the viewer and putting positivity into our world.”
“I begin the process with a blank canvas or wooden panel, using either paint or drawing as my initial medium. From there, I incorporate various ephemera, layering them with paint to introduce depth and complexity. Utilizing a diverse range of techniques, I manipulate the paint or paper to form layers of shapes and textures. As the composition evolves, I selectively scrape away layers, unveiling new forms and shapes beneath. I use color and lines to create movement and interest. I hope my art will uplift and intrigue the viewer, leaving them with a sense of positivity and curiosity.”
Randi’s work can be viewed on her website: https://randimarkowitz.com/ and on her presence on the Chatham Artists Guild site: https://chathamartistsguild.org/artists/randi-markowitz/
She will make her Chatham Studio Tour debut the first two weekends in December 2024.
