Dawn Adams

Dawn Adams received a BA from DePauw University, and an MFA in painting from Indiana University, Bloomington. Collaborating in fused glass with her husband, Dale Steffey, they developed a unique body of work for the wall. She returned to painting exclusively in 2010, focusing on healing imagery and the natural world. In their 30 years as professional glass artists, and her past 17 years as a painter, she created work that hangs in international venues, across the U.S., and in public venues, 11 hospitals, including IU Heath, Bloomington.

Artist Statement:
"This body of work was born as response to grief at the loss of our son, Wade. Making art was therapy for me, and I wanted my paintings to be therapeutic for the viewer as well.

The subject of the natural world, specifically water and skies, probably more than any other representational imagery, can evoke both psychological and emotional responses. Metaphorical, and is visually limitless, water can morph the phenomenon around it hinting at multiple realms of reality. Skys are also everchanging and inherently abstract, and point to the “beyond”. Both are ideal subjects for healing. I believe looking at water and sky promote a peaceful mind.

The image building includes multiple applications of oil paint. Translucent and opaque layering of unconventional painting techniques, such as resists, combing, sponging, splatter, as well as brushwork create dense visual depth, and describes the image uniquely."