Meet Irene Stanton, local artist— a jovial woman, who exudes a strong character in her presence as well as through her art. Stanton spent her grade school years growing up in Australia then moved to New Jersey where she began painting at the age of 21.
Irene came to us 20 years ago from the Garden State where she exhibited her artwork in competitions and showings and won awards for her talents.
After moving to Key West, Irene found that along with her painting, swimming and yoga gave her a sense of fulfillment. She was a yoga instructor for a 20 years. If you are familiar with yoga, you will quickly find the correlation she achieves in this field on her canvases.
Irene explains, "My desire is to stimulate the imagination of the viewer through the use of the circles and circular motion. The circle to me is a symbol of nothing and yet everything."
In yoga, the circle represents the center of the universe.
Stanton is currently displaying four of her works at Mary O'Shea's Glass Garden. And starting Sept. 2, she, along with other female artists, will be a part of Three Legged Dog Gallery's Femme Fatale showing.
Stanton's works exhibited will number four in total, including, "Summer Gathering" and "Simplicity." Her canvases convey a sense of unity of women, portrayed in a fantasy existence.
Irene explains, "Abstract art to me is an exciting challenge. Each work is a mental uncertainty and productive suspense. The final result of the painting is as much of a surprise to me as it is to the viewer."
It is Stanton's wish that you will be pleasantly surprised upon experiencing her emotionally expressive and imaginative creations. The artist's use of the representational style allows her the freedom to express her inner connection with the universal truths of yoga.
Stanton expounds, "Many of my paintings use the round objects interrupted by straight lines. It is the straight line that creates a warning. It says to me, stop, take care, be aware of intrusion into a harmonious existence."
After visiting the two galleries you may find yourself wanting to meet up with this colorful artist. It is no wonder that the East Martello Museum snatched her up to work as their receptionist over the weekends. Don't miss the opportunity to see her works of art for yourself and catch the surprise.