"My paintings began as an interpretation of landscape and then later cityscape. I always intended to capture the essence of a place or of a feeling. While studying art history and learning to paint, I was impressed by what could be communicated through abstract art when the rational mind was let go. Color has always been important to me as a means of expression, though for a time in 1994-1996, I gave it up to explore the power of communication with a limited palette. But I always seemed to dance around the edges of direct expression, fearful of the uncontrollable. Though I felt that I was true to the essence of abstract expressionism, I was impersonal. During the period of 1998-1999 I undertook alternative avenues of expression. I concentrated on my personal environment. I painted on furniture, used found materials to create artwork and painted a mural on the outside of my studio. My focus was to discover what really mattered to me and I experienced much growth and personal fulfillment. However, I wasn't expressing myself in the way that I knew was important to me. It was apparent to me that I needed to return to traditional painting because only paint on paper can do that for me. I need to freely express what is inside of me without an intervening, judging mind, and with only a brush, paint, a piece of pastel and paper or maybe canvas as my tools, I now let each mark stand on it's own". For information about these works, contact Montage Gallery, 925 S. Charles Street, Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD 21230, (410) 752-1125 Maxine Taylor