Art Exhibit: Level Influx

"level influx” Main Floor Exhibition Since 2001, painter Thérèse Murdza has used colors and shapes inspired by her synesthetic experience to make paintings to engage and enliven people where we work, rest, and gather. Seeing sound, hearing words, feeling under language for a visual pulse -- her childhood musical training remains an influence, as do her years as a writer and meditator. “level influx: Making Steady in Turbulent Times” features Murdza’s signature bright, richly textured paintings, exploring interaction both visually and tactilely through paint and pencil markings on unstretched canvas and works on heavy paper. The pieces offer a variety of portals for ‘finding steady’ by gently guiding the viewer’s focus and perspective. In many of the works, Murdza incorporates a horizon line — inviting an element of intimacy with distance — and thoughtfully pairs selections to invite the viewer to encounter ‘places to land’ amidst an influx of juxtapositions, patterns, and colors. The exhibit reflects Murdza’s mission to affirming the vital role of the artist—to create and share art as a source of collective strength and inspiration amidst turbulent times. Murdza’s artworks have been featured in publications such as Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine, The Oregonian, Portland Monthly, Oregon ArtsWatch, and as cover artist for Artslandia: Portland’s Performing Arts Annual. Her paintings are held in commercial, residential, and museum collections throughout North America.