Color infuses all aspects of our lives. Just as music does, colors can evoke emotions and take people on a journey. Each color has a different personality or a unique story to tell, depending on who is doing the looking. Color combinations also create different associations—a place, a time period, or a memory. Brilliant, powerful, emotive color is the driving force behind the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s first artspace exhibition of 2023, Ellen Soffer: Pink Sky, curated by Kelly McDade, Bossier Parish Community College Professor of Art & Humanities.

It is an exhibition of more than 60 new paintings created in the past four years (2019-2022), including works of gouache and watercolor on paper, as well as large scale oil paintings on canvas that feature vibrant color, organic shapes, and dynamic patterns. The exhibition will remain at artspace until April 8, 2023.

Northwest Louisiana artist Soffer is well known for her bright, evocative greens, yellows, reds, blues, oranges, and pinks—
colors that compel you to pause, respond, to feel something. The titles of many of her pieces are also an homage to her passion for color: “Pink Shell, Blue Fish,” “Green Alphabet,” and “Blue Bird.” There is a unique intensity of color and awareness of form throughout her newest works on exhibit in artspace.

Soffer says she creates intuitively, not always knowing how a piece will come together, but certain that color and its intensity will be the driving forces. “My intention is to capture the impressions and sensations left behind from dreams, emotions, or memories, without being limited to the specific details of the events, leaving room for viewer participation and interpretation,” says Soffer.

Pink Slice, Oil and Flashe on Canvas, 48 x 48 inches, © 2022 Ellen Soffer

Kelly McDade, curator for Pink Sky, says that Soffer’s paintings ask the viewer to pause, absorb, think, and ultimately make something meaningful of the works for themselves. McDade’s goal with this exhibition is to celebrate and recognize the work of Soffer, who she believes is one of the most prolific, meticulous, and focused artists she knows. “To become absorbed in Ellen’s imagery is a thrilling and moving experience. She communicates with such bold brushwork and intense color,” says McDade.