ARTIST STATEMENT




As an artist, I am interested in the relationship between the viewer and the work of art. I believe that painting is not just a whole, but rather a collection of many parts. I focus on paying close attention to detail and strive to deeply understand the underlying structure that holds the body of work together. I aim to intensify every part of the painting, which, in turn, demands more attention from the viewer, striving for a kind of integrity of attention that focuses on the absolute care of formal deconstruction of technique and the viewers' ability to understand my technique and visual literacy.

The art I create addresses how unique substrates can serve as a unifying element or create dissonance across a body of work, forming and expanding the visual language and content of the painting, and presenting a nontraditional approach within a gallery context. This invites the viewer to interact with artwork in a new way by making discoveries of the overall structure in combination with the composition. I have chosen all compositions to paint based on the connection I feel within them. The unity bringing my work together does not rely on themes of subject matter but rather a common feeling that festers when surrounded.

My perfectionism leads me to rigorously refine and obsess over details, even if they go unnoticed, but nevertheless come together to form a greater movement. They remain there hoping to hold some sort of importance and weight, to carry the piece mark by mark.





Contact


  effief.gymnast@gmail.com
  @efergusonart



About


Effie Ferguson is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where they are studying studio art with a concentration in painting. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Effie relocated to pursue their passion for creating art. They have participated in numerous exhibitions at the university alongside fellow instructors and peers, as well as galleries outside of academia in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Their work encompasses three-dimensional structures within flat oil paintings, drawing inspiration from realism and personal narrative.

Effie has been featured in multiple university publications. Additionally, they have received the prestigious Stout University Foundation Exhibition Award and have worked as a media coordinator to promote the school's various studio art programs to the public.

When Effie isn't painting, they are also an accomplished gymnast, being a Canadian Eastern National Champion, 2x All-American, 4x All-Conference, and WIAC champion on the balance beam, as well as an All-Conference on the uneven bars, and received the 2024 CSC Academic All-District while representing the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the NCAA.