Ventulett Gallery Welcomes Painter Clara Dodd Blalock

Atlanta artist Clara Dodd Blalock will share some of her spiritual journey with visitors in “A Spiritual Pursuit” from March 31–May 5 at the Ventulett Gallery at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church. The exhibit begins with a free, public reception opening night from 6-8 p.m.

Blalock's show includes 13 large abstracts and still life paintings, all in oil and all produced in 2016.

"I'm very intuitive in what I do," Blalock, an Atlanta native, says of her work. "I know the basic elements of painting and I'm able to get something to come out without thinking too much composition.

"I can paint and still use the good principles of art."

Blalock developed a passion for painting as a child. "Early in life I became aware of wonderful things that could be made with paint and my world expanded," she recalls. "In the last 25 or so years, I have devoted many of my days to painting or making some form of art. I produce the best work when I let it come from a place inside that I don’t know or understand; I call it the ‘zone.’

"It is a letting go of my control of the painting and trusting that what ends up on the canvas is better than I could do by thinking and trying too hard."

The artist begins each piece with a simple mark or shape. Then she and the painting move together, almost like dance partners. "I know that I have to trust the process, let go of the reins and be open to surprises that happen along the way—serendipitous gifts that could not have been planned," she explains.

Blalock's works in the Ventulett exhibit are about the artist's own, continuing spiritual journey. "They are just where I am right now," she says. "My work changes and evolves. I want my story to be one of evolution and not about being stuck somewhere in time.

"There will always be the quest for that perfect piece of art, but until then I will enjoy the journey."

Blalock received her associate degree from Stratford College in Danville, Va., and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Atlanta College of Art. She has had several solo exhibits, and her award-winning work has been included in many invitational and juried shows.

In Atlanta, Clara’s paintings may be seen at dk Gallery on the Square in Marietta. For more about the artist, visit: http://www.clarablalock.com/index.html

The Ventulett Gallery is located at 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy. N.W., Atlanta 30327.