Perky Edgerton’s recent show, Far and Near, reflects time she has spent in Kandy, Sri Lanka; Samos, Greece; Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; and most recently her new residence in the Berkshires.  For Edgerton, returning to her childhood home in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where her father was a professor of art History at Williams College, triggered flashbacks and memories of previous travels and places where the artist has lived and worked.  In this group of paintings, the artist reflects on the phenomenon that our backyards, whether in exotic locations or in places that are more ordinary, acquire familiarity and comfort and become “home” over time.  Beauty in the unexpected is always the domain of the artist and memories and observation combine to create rich and diverse subject matter for an exhibition that will fulfill current needs to see beyond our communal isolation.

Edgerton’s work evolves slowly and organically as she layers paint on paint, and creates textures through the use of collage and printing.  Her jewel-like colors shine with an inner light, as if emerging from the depths of the painting surface.  The most domestic subject matter is transformed into a mysterious playground for flora and fauna.  The viewer’s eye wants to travel into the artist’s world and discover her very unique way of seeing. 

Edgerton received her BFA from Boston University and MFA from the Tyler School of Art.