Memory Traces , 12 x 14

The intelligent and richly layered paintings of Claudia Marseille convey her deep respect for time and materials.  They have an unmistakable presence, like an ancient wall, rich in history.  She will patiently apply as many as 20 layers of glazes to give the painting history and depth and then begin excavating and building.  Her concerns as an artist center around color and texture.   The viewer is able to experience both the complexity and the enjoyment of the process. What is remarkable about Marseille is that she is able to maintain a consistent aesthetic and quality in the work while managing to evolve and change with every new painting.

Marseille’s interests in time and complexity go way back.  She has a master’s degree in archaeology from the London Institute of Archaeology and once made her living in that field.  A painting class that she took many years ago changed her course and she went back to school studying both with individual teachers and taking classes at the California College of Arts (then the CCAC).  She went on to earn her masters degree in Fine Art from John F. Kennedy University.  While all this was going on, she also distinguished herself as a fine photographer, which no doubt continues to inform and refine her capacity to “see” the complexity of everything around her.