Manhattan-Based Artist, Deborah Buck, Exhibits Work at Ille Arts Gallery in Amagansett

Artist Deborah Buck is joining the Hamptons art scene at Ille Arts from Saturday, June 22 through Tuesday, July 16. Her work has been displayed in Manhattan for many years, although this is her second time showing in the Hamptons.

In an essay entitled “Protean Paintings: Several Thoughts on Deborah Buck’s Work,” Gregroy Volk wrote: “What you see in Deborah Buck’s paintings is of obvious importance: her prominent colors and eccentric imagery, all the evidence of her various and skillful techniques. Her paintings are, as I mentioned, eventful; a single painting can look at once elegant and ungainly, meticulous and rough-hewn. However, what you don’t literally see, but instead sense and feel, is of great importance too, and that’s all the fleet thought, memories, complex emotions, and deep feeling that suffuse these paintings and help make them so meaningful and compelling.”

We caught up with Buck on her current exhibition and work:

You’re relatively new to the Hamptons scene, although you’ve shown your work extensively in Manhattan. What brings you out East and what are you looking forward to most?

DB: I have always felt most alive by the ocean because it is limitless and unstoppable. The combination of a vibrant and accessible creative community and the natural beauty of the Hamptons were irresistible. I understand the attraction that it has held for so many of the artists that admire and studied. I cannot live were there is not a substantive community of creatives making thought provoking work.

Can you speak to your creative process? What is the inspiration behind your pieces that are on display at Ille Arts?

DB: I do not set out with an intention; I show up to work. I set out on a journey, an adventure to let the process guide me on a treasure hunt. I formally push and pull the color and form until the work begins to reveal what it is that I want to talk about in each piece; that is the treasure. The act of painting is a beautiful ritual but to merge that dance with the succinctness of content is the trick.

Gregory Volk does a beautiful job speaking about your work in his essay “Protean Paintings: Several Thoughts On Deborah Buck’s New Work.” He mentions the struggles you experienced has a young, female artist. Can you speak to that experience and offer any advice for budding female artists?

DB: The imbalance of the representation and clout of women in the arts is still very much with us. One need only look at the numbers of one women museum shows and members of important museum boards, much less auction results to see this. My advice is to be aware that this discrepancy exists, don’t be afraid to question it. The most important thing of all is your work and to believe in it. No one can diminish that or take it away from you.

Ille Arts is located at 171 Main Street in Amagansett. For more information, visit deborahbuck.com.