About

ARTIST STATEMENT

When I paint, I like to explore abstraction and detailed observational realism in separate sittings.  I believe that practicing both styles helps me remain nimble. When doing more abstract work, I start by playing with the paint, always searching for something spontaneous to happen that I can edit and accentuate in order to gain balance and order, gravitating toward expressionistic suggestions of nature.  When working with realism, I try to capture moments that reveal the beauty in color and composition with almost meditative focus and attention. 

Gerhard Richter is an inspiration as an artist who relies on both realms of visual representation through photographic quality paintings juxtaposed against rough, highly abstract work.  I also like to interpret the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Richard Diebenkorn by observing their unique techniques and perspectives through my own lens. 

In my own work, I hope to capture something visceral where context is irrelevant and nature can be our greatest teacher.  

BIO

Born and raised in Alaska, Gaja grew up inspired by her surroundings and became increasingly intrigued by the dichotomy and interplay between civilization and the wild.  She studied Art History at the University of Texas at Austin where she developed an interest in the abstract masters of the 20th century.  As a result, she started to explore expressionistic abstraction. Her medium of choice is acrylic paint but her training as a fine artist also included drawing, watercolors, oils, and collage.  As her style continues to evolve, her work remains rooted in nature, even when expressed through simple abstractions of color.