Donn's eye, photo by Pam Sumner
Critique by Donn Roll
Very few artists today can successfully pare down the formal elements of art and create a body of work that speaks so consistently. Pamela Sumner is one such artist. She eliminates superfluous colors, distracting subject matter and obsessive detail, allowing the true simplicity of her art to emerge. For her, that which is unseen is as significant as that which is revealed.
Sumner credits centuries of art history for enlightening her work. The ability to meld Asian traditions with American experience places her in a unique position. Her works are universal in their acceptance and timeless in their scope.
Sumner is a student of world art, benefiting from the lessons of the past and pushing the parameters of contemporary tradition. Her obvious concern for quality and aesthetics is testament to her overall progress and extremely bright future.
But most important to us is that in an age fraught with complicated visual imagery, the work of Pamela Sumner reminds us just how complex simplicity can be.
Donn L. Roll
Art Historian, Educator
and Gallery Owner
see also biography, exhibitions