Quilting Party (diptych)

mixed media on canvas

60 x 40 inches

Courtesy of Louise Reed

"Most of my images come from nature and occasionally from dreams. Some of my images are views from planes, some things I look at under the microscope, but most are from direct and close observation of natural surroundings and objects. Color has always been an important element in my work, as well as textures. However the magic and mystery of sparkle, reflections and iridescence found in natural objects fascinates me the most, including neon and glitter. A rich creamy surface that reflects and sparkles makes the magic come alive. At times it seems like I am decorating a cake, so much fun. I love working when things are quiet, and my mind is still and I allow the creative juices to flow naturally. Once the idea/image is clearly in my head, my hands can execute the images."

Norbert Irvine grew up in Lexington, Virginia and received his BA from Washington and Lee University. He earned his MA from Claremont University in California and his MFA from East Carolina University. Known for years as a printmaker and serigrapher of brightly patterned graphic aesthetics, Irvine became engrossed in works of art with elaborate surface treatments.

Beginning with thin transparent layers of color, Irvine built up his pieces with brilliant, saturated hues and glittering materials such as sequins, prismatic dots, and textural paint as he continued to add media to the surface of his work. The final result is a very tactile painting, brightly colored and sparkling with iridescent luster. He sought brilliance and reflectivity, and his paintings achieved both as he created pieces that present the viewer with a mosaic of glittering texture.

His work has been exhibited in numerous venues across the country, including the Corcoran in Washington, D.C., the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C., Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, and the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, NC. Irvine died in Ashville, North Carolina on May 1st, 2015.