Artist's Statement
I have always preferred art that includes exploring the beautiful as part of its statement and have sought to affect the same in my own work. Over the last decade, however, the influence of my growing Reiki practice has shifted my art's focus to that of healing intention ensconced in visual beauty.
My series of acrylic paintings entitled "Succulents" renders extreme close ups of tropical plants by layering Reiki symbols repetitively, meditatively and slowly with a tiny script brush. Beads and glass shards playing off the multi-textured paint are meant to engage the eye long enough for the viewer to perhaps begin reaping benefit of the infused Reiki.
The recent Divine Alignment abstract series is even more directly about Reiki. While not revealing the sacred symbols, part of these are interspersed with others to weave the composition of these abstract paintings.
Since the pandemic's start I have been inspired to paint details abstracted from sunsets reminiscent of those experienced for years in my travels to Grand Cayman. I hope to get back there soon again but for now, the Both Sides Now series has given me the strength to get through with optimism. The universe abides.
Artist's Biography
Elynne Rosenfeld received her MFA in Painting from UMass Amherst and her BA in Art from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Active in the Philadelphia art community, she has served as past president of the advocacy group Artist's Equity. The organization honored her with a lifetime membership in 1999. She co-chaired ArtForm's cooperative gallery for a decade and was first Vice President of ARTsisters, a women's art group which brings shows to the community and donates a part of every sale to charities. She was a member of 3rd Street Gallery in Old City Philadelphia from 2017 - 2020, and is the Director and Curator of the D'Arrigo Gallery of Salus University in Elkins Park, PA.
Having had more than twenty solo exhibitions, and over one hundred group shows she is the recipient of numerous awards for painting excellence. Her work resides in public and private collections nationally, in Canada and the UK. Elynne has authored articles appearing in Reiki Magazine including "Reiki Inspired Art," and been interviewed by Philadelphia Magazine, Art Matters, The Exponent, Chestnut Hill Local and Manhattan Arts International. She is scheduled for a solo show in spring of 2022 at Boston Street Gallery (postponed due to the pandemic).
Education
1977
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
MFA, Painting
1975
Rice University, Houston, TX
BFA, Fine Art
Awards & Honors
2016
Special Recognition “Celebrate the Healing Power of Art,” Manhattan Arts International
2013
Special Recognition: Light Space and Time, “All Women” juried show
2012
Award for Body of Work, Art Spirits, Burlington, NJ
2009
John H. Wolfe Award, Contemporary Voices, Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA
2005
Best of Artists: PA Winner in Acrylic Category
2003
Juror’s Choice Award, Wayne Art Center National Juried Show
2001
Montgomery County Guild of Professional Artists Mixed Media Juried Show Award
Artist's Bibliography
2007
Philadelphia Stories Magazine
Featured painting
Professional Experience
2016 - Present
D’Arrigo Family Gallery, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA
Founder, Director, Curator
2019 - 2021
ARTsisters, Philadelphia, PA
First Vice President
1998 - 2004
ARTforms Gallery Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA
Co-Director
Juror/Judge
2008
Conshohocken Arts League
2001
Emerging Artists at ArtForms Gallery
2000 Emerging Artists at ArtForms Gallery
