Patricia Coughlin - The Spontaneous Gesture

This collection speaks to the ways in which curiosity, and a continual process of discovery, inform my work. I am an abstract painter, inspired by both the inner and outer landscape.  I begin with a spontaneous gesture and let intuition take the lead, only becoming intentional later in the process. For me, painting is visual poetry and reflects the mystery and joy of being alive.  

Freud said, “We feel in the contrast, not the state of things”. The contrast and intersection between light and dark, transparent and opaque, bold and subtle, bright colors against neutrals and, most importantly, the conscious and unconscious mind provides fuel and fodder for my paintings. These include layers and layers of paint, often with marks and collage. What is revealed and what is concealed? What appears on the surface and what is laying beneath?  What is presented and what is implied? 

Jung said art reveals “the inner images the soul needs to see itself”.  As a child, I loved making art and went on to study painting at Ohio University. However, life called me elsewhere. I became a Clinical Psychologist, published author, mother and grandmother.  Now, my art reflects the depth of all my experiences, embracing contrast, spontaneity, and the beauty of life’s unpredictability. Each of my endeavors informs and influences all the others.  I hope this work awakens your curiosity, moves you emotionally and captures a sense of awe and wonder.