EDOT Gallery (at the Houston Diocesan Center) opened a new show of paintings by Houston artist Hazel Bartram-Birchenough on March 15, entitled Higher Forms of Life. This is the second show for the new gallery, highlighting Episcopal artists from around the diocese.
Bartram-Birchenough describes her work as bringing classical and renaissance concepts of depth and quality into a contemporary world. This can be seen in the tension and balance between the figurative and abstract modalities she uses.
"This process has become a way of reaching the source, the deepest, numinous parts of the psyche," Bartram-Birchenough said. "It has been a journey of testing out new approaches, taking risks and facing fears," she said, adding that the process has been "a powerful source of healing."
Her ideas and materials have characteristics that become an extension of the creative process Bartram-Birchenough said. Improvisations with watercolor and gold leaf or large-scale, more planned pieces in oil or encaustic provide a window into the artist’s frame of mind.
Born in England, Bartram-Birchenough studied fine art and music before joining the largest community of artists in Europe in the East End of London. She was an active member of the Church of England and is currently a member of St. Martin’s, Houston. Her work has been exhibited throughout the UK, in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Illinois.
