Repose

July 30th - August 24, 2022

re·pose, noun:
1: a state of resting after exertion or strain, e specially rest in sleep; eternal or heavenly rest; e.g. pray for the repose of a soul
2: a place of rest; PEACE, TRANQUILITY "the repose of the bayous"
3: a harmony in the arrangement of parts and colors that is restful to the eye
4: composure of manner : POISE

Rose Umerlik is an internationally recognized artist, who maintains a full-time studio practice in Vermont. Her work has always been based on strong ideals she has long held, such as the importance of being able to self-evaluate in a spirit of honesty and having a strong work ethic that helps her be fully present to life. These core values are always reflected in her work.

During the worldwide pandemic, Rose spent much of the early months of lockdown with her family in quiet peace on their mountainside homestead, raising their firstborn into a world in disrepair. And while in isolation, Rose and her husband only had one task to fulfill: Revel and marinate in their love for their daughter as they watch her grow. Happiness and repose entered the home and established roots there. Their daughter is now almost two years old.

One of the most trying times in history prevailed yet, through it all, as a new mother with her cherished blossoming family, Rose was able to find an unwavering peace and calm repose. As onlookers, we feel the same as we contemplate the place of love that these paintings emerged from, like a singular flower blooming in a desert. She quite deliberately uses striking yet soothing color blocks of oil paint and graphite to translate this treasured feeling. Speaking about the work, Rose says:

"In these paintings, the large resting shapes, the smooth undulating lines, my beloved palette of whites, blacks and muted hues...these are all part of my language of happiness. So, I give you happiness."

Umerlik's work is both aesthetically intriguing and deeply meaningful, as she gets into the heart of what it means to be a human among other precious humans.

"We seek peace knowing that peace is the climate of freedom." -Dwight D. Eisenhower

Selected Works

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Perpetual Light | Newport, Fall 2022