No box for local artist Maddox

Time and inspiration are said to be concepts that flow, leading us to visualize an unbroken stream of water drawn downhill.

But artist debi (yes, the "d" is lowercase) Story Maddox isn't one to casually drift downstream, instead she revels in leapfrogging from pond to pond, dipping a toe into as many different styles and ideas as possible.

"A lot of people like to feel like they have a certain style and identity. To me, that puts me in a box," Maddox explains.

A self-professed series artist - who creates groups of pieces revolving around a theme, color or emotion - the only constant in her work is change.

"I have no idea when I start a series how many are going to be in it. Somehow magically at the end, I know," Maddox says. Once complete, she then releases those months or years of work into the world without hesitation or regret. "I enjoy not going back to the same series again. I feel like I've done that and want to continue finding new ways to express myself."

Only after learning this artistic philosophy would a viewer connect Maddox's various series to the same artist, series as varied as the realistic "Song of Solomon," set with its colorful damsels and ancient forests, to the abstract grouping of "Moons Back," a luminescent exploration of curves and light in pure black and white.

In 39 paintings and eight separate series on exhibit at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts in Palmer Lake, Maddox has been inspired by shapes, poetry, the artistic community and spirituality. Among the most striking is "The Dreaming" series, a softly surreal mixture of the human form and the natural world painted in warm sepia tones.

Perhaps the piece that best describes Maddox herself comes from the "Five Seasons" set, also on display at the arts center. The untraditional fifth is the season of "Change," a joyous figure who, eyes closed, jumps headlong into her next transformational experience.

Through Wednesday, Maddox's work will be displayed in the main gallery of the center, supplemented by an exhibition from quilted fiber artist Connie Miner in the adjoining Lucy Owens Gallery. Guests attending the Saturday opening night celebration will enjoy performances by singer-and-songwriters Rob Drabkin and Jessica Sonner as well as hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Ever reaching toward new creative outlets, Maddox is also planning an exhibition Feb. 6-20 with three other female artists at the Business of Art Center in Manitou Springs.

 
OPENING NIGHT AT TRI-LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS WITH ROB DRABKIN AND JESSICA SONNER

What: Listen to live music while browsing the artwork of debi Story Maddox and Connie Miner
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, 304 Highway 105, Palmer Lake
Admission: $12 TLCA members, $15 non-members

ONLINE > In depth

• For more information on debi Story Maddox's artwork and upcoming shows, visit www.storymaddoxgallery.com.