Pamela J. Black: Finding a Sense of Balance Between Chaos and Control
Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, painter Pamela J. Black’s creative practice serves as a source of meditation rooted in abstraction. With a focus on creating work that feels authentic and personal, Black focuses on process, change and exploration.
How did your creative journey begin?
When I was in preschool at the age of five we were asked to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up and I carefully sketched myself standing in front of an easel, holding a paintbrush. Art has always been a constant in my life and the one thing I have turned to as a way of self expression.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My current body of work consists of large abstract acrylic paintings. They involve watery layers applied with spatulas, brushes and squeegees which are applied while working on the ground. My creative practice involves constant experimentation and serves as a source of mediation which is rooted in abstraction. My paintings are interpretations of what I see around me and what I have discovered through sketches along my travels. I often begin by creating a random mark on canvas or paper and respond to it by bringing order back to the surface. Focus on process, change and exploration is essential to creating work that feels authentic and personal. Ultimately, my creative process is fueled by a need to find a sense of balance between chaos and control.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
When I was in college studying art I drew and painted realistic figures and endless self-portraits. My work gradually became more abstracted until I let go of the figure completely. Over the last few years my work has seemed to evolve with my children and their growth and changing life stages. I made the switch from oil paints to acrylics for practical reasons when my daughter was a baby. Recently, my children and I have been exploring collaboration as we work on paintings and drawings together and react to one another's mark making.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
My studio time usually begins in the morning immediately after I drop my son off at preschool. He is only in school for two hours a day so this time is extremely sacred and I always make sure to set this time aside for painting in my home studio. The afternoons look different depending on the day and my schedule, but I will typically fit in a few hours of painting time and/or admin work. My two children (ages 5 and 8) have a designated area in my studio and are always welcome and encouraged to join me creatively.
I have another art studio outside of the home at a local restaurant and brewery (The Millworks in Harrisburg, PA) that houses 17 art studios. My studio space is shared with two other creatives and I typically work in the space on nights and weekends during busy hours where I paint, sell my work and connect with other artists and local patrons.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Life experiences have a way of impacting an artist's work even if it is subconsciously. When I became a mother, my world changed forever and my art ultimately transformed. I switched mediums completely and my work was heavily impacted by my experience with birthing, past miscarriages and my new life and identity as a mother.
How has social media impacted your art career?
When I was in college social media was not available and it wasn’t until 2019 that I really started utilizing Instagram as a tool to promote and sell my work. Social media can be extremely frustrating and overwhelming, especially recently with the constant changes, but it has served as an outlet to connect with other artists and build connections with others all over the world. This was especially helpful during the pandemic.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
Over the past couple of years I have really made it a point to get involved in my local community through collaboration with other artists and local organizations. After recently completing my second large scale mural at a local restaurant I find myself longing to paint another one.
Website: PamelaJBlack.com
Instagram: @pamelajblackart