Marilyn FOX

Primarily, my art consists of nonobjective paintings on paper or stretched canvas. I use acrylic and sometimes mixed media. I start with large gestural strokes on my surface. It’s much like writing the first line of a poem. From that point, I build layers of paint, often scratching into the surface to reveal layers below. I continually add marks until the surface reveals itself and points me in a certain direction. Color and mark making are the subject in my art. Although I call them nonobjective paintings, there is often a connection in my work to certain concepts, such as nature, culture, and contemporary issues; these concepts are not expressed literally. They are expressed only in as much as these ideas turn over in my mind while working. As I continue to work on my art, I often engage in experimentation. This could be collaging an old drawing, print, or paper onto the work. I enjoy adding something unexpected, even to create a tension in the surface. For me, this tension keeps the art dynamic and interesting.My paintings are meant to be lived with. Color, form, and engagement are my priorities.

Marilyn Fox was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Queens. She lives in Kutztown, PA where she maintains her studio.She graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. Various employment in the arts after graduation included writing art reviews for the Reading Times, and freelance work for several magazine and publications. She was volunteer with the Reading Redevelopment Authority as a member of their fine arts board, where she selected and recommended public art for the City of Reading.In 1998, Fox secured a full-time position as Gallery Director/Arts Coordinator at Penn State, Berks County. This opportunity helped develop her own aesthetics as she curated exhibits and developed an acquisition program to increase the college’s permanent collection. She retired after 20 years.Her work is in the collections of: The Lehigh Valley Hospital; Connective Energy, Bethlehem, PA; Bank of Pennsylvania; The Allentown School District, Allentown, PA; Integrated Art, Art dealer in Madison, Wisconsin – Health Care Facility. Many of her paintings are with private collectors, including in Paris, France, London, UK and across the country.