The recent paintings of Atlanta artist David Kidd continue an evolving series of images inspired by and based upon botanical and nature forms. His paintings, in acrylic on birch panels or canvas, comprise alternating layers of thick textured paint and translucent glazes. These layers, steadily added and removed, provide what Kidd calls "a visual road map" to the painting's development and result in rich and complex surfaces. "My paintings are process driven. The physical act of applying paint has a strong influence on the direction that the painting will ultimately take. While I may have a general concept of what I hope to convey, my goal is to not allow that preconceived idea to limit or restrain the creative process. I want the act of painting to be a journey of discovery, a balance between the urge to control the surface of the painting and the desire to allow mystery and unpredictability to enter into the process. By not assigning meaning, I hope to find meaning," states Kidd. "Our existence comprises layers of complexities and contradictions. This process reflects that reality." "I think that is one of the reasons that I am attracted to abstract work, the outcome is not decided in advance. I like the fact that I am not completely in control. That seems rather contradictory, since it's so inherently against my nature to just leave things to chance. As far as actual meaning is concerned, I think that remains fluid as well. I think that at times, assigning meaning or a narrative only serves to limit the work. I have a wide range of interests, from history and archaeology to nature and science. These elements always have a way of influencing the work." David Kidd's work has been exhibited extensively in the Southeast and can be found in public, corporate, and private collections throughout the USA, including: Cunningham Bounds Law Firm, Mobile, AL Chattanooga State College • Chattanooga, TN Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Atlanta, GA Huntsville Museum of Art • Huntsville, AL King and Spalding Law Firm • Atlanta, GA Georgia Perimeter College (Dekalb College) • Clarkston, GA Knight-Ridder Publishing • Charlotte, NC Hobart Realty • Atlanta, GA Washburn Graphics • Charlotte, NC Post Properties in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. The Bank • Birmingham, AL Larson-Juhl • Atlanta, GA