Beverly Powell

"Being attracted to the arts community in Corvallis has always been effortless. Like many smaller arts communities, we radiate our fair share of craft and pleasantry, but it isn’t that hard to wade through reeds and find some truly interesting things at work. A few years ago I was lucky enough to put one foot in front of another enough times to run into the should-be-legendary Beverly Powell, first working with her at CEI Artworks, and now Cornerstone Associates. Beverly is unique in that she will make great art out of literally anything and everything, and do it with a joy and vigor most people can’t conjure. Her approach to making is incredibly honest and straightforward – her strokes simply go in the direction her arm can, her color choices are sophisticated, yet wholly opportunistic, and when she’s done with what feels necessary to communicate the nature of her subject, she switches into a logistical stance that forgoes subject matter in favor of formal choice. This isn’t intellectualization, though, but rather a blueprint for part of who this person is, and through that a really great example as to why we all need to be looking harder. I learn a lot every time I watch her paint or draw. However, most importantly I walk away wanting to paint and draw myself. I think that’s the secret, or not-so-secret desire most artists have for their work."