Mary Bridgman Art

The Painted Veil

This group of Gold Leaf Icons was inspired by a trip to the Marquesas where Bridgman spent time in the village where Paul Gauguin spent his final years.

The inspiration came from his letters to the French Impressionists as well as Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence and Shelley's The Painted Veil. These paintings are intended to be visceral, physical and abstract expressionist representing the artist's life, emotional strain and purpose. A bright blot, a splender among shadows. The search for truth and self and the isolation involved in following one's path and separation from society. The gold illuminations create beauty, conflict, reflection and renewal in a difficult situation.

This series includes at least 20 canvases, some of which are not shown on the website. There is an earlier gold leaf series of portraits also not included on the website.