Artists Statement
My professional career as an artist began in 1973, when I committed myself to painting. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that making paintings is an ever-unfolding and expansive process; one that offers infinite possibilities for self-expression and limitless visual inventions.
My work explores and incorporates ontological issues, specifically nature’s profundity and spiritual qualities. I have found that by just going outside, being still, quietly absorbing what I see, and looking lovingly into what is real, exquisite patterns and relationships of textures, colors, shapes, and planes jump out at me. It is in those moments that the substrate of nature’s delicate and complex interconnectivity is revealed.
I take these impressions back to my studio and carefully consider how to treat them artfully and authentically, contemplating the scale, tone, and vision I wish to create. I ask myself: Is this concept compelling? Is it true for me? Does this idea have transformative possibilities for my audience? How will it contribute to the environment where it will be placed? Lastly, does it provide a measure of delight by just looking at it? When these factors align, my vision is ready to be conveyed. I then communicate all that I’ve meditated on through a series of works on paper, which in turn become large paintings. I focus on the process—not on the result—for it is the doing that generates unexpected outcomes that seem fresh and unlabored.
When working, the rules become simple for me as the artist: I make a mark, another, and do not question whether the marks are right or not. I simply trust myself, and remember my experience in nature. The process that surrounded me outside is exactly the same process happening in my studio at that very moment. As such, the material things I observed and my imagination merge, and by using my chosen tools of brush and paint, quite powerfully, the invisible becomes visible. Through this path—critical examination, reflection, visualization, initiation, application, gestation, and culmination—my paintings become objects capable of creating their own highly charged aesthetic atmosphere. They also present an opportunity for viewers to simply be, and to use their interaction with the work as a catalyst for reflection and contemplation.
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EDUCATION
1971
MFA, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (Painting)
1968
BA, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017-Present
Professor Emeritus
1980-2017
Professor of Art, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
1980 - 2013
Curator, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
Gallery Assistant, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley, CA
SELECTED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024
Al Fresco, Garden Delights, Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA
Then is Now, Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica, CA
Studio Shop Gallery Reopening, Gallery Artists Exhibition, Burlingame, CA
2023
Elemental Variations, Malin Gallery, Aspen , CO
Reveal: Interpretations of the Natural World, The Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA
2022
Space Before Us, Unrestrained, Malin Gallery, New York , NY
2021
Emerging Spring Group Exhibit, The Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA
Present By Past: In Retrospect, Solo Exhibition, 101 Second Street, San Francisco, CA, Curated, SLATE Contemporary, Oakland, CA
2020
Breakfast Group, Virtually in Alameda K Gallery at Rhythmix Cultural Works, Alameda, CA
34th Annual Celebration of the Arts, Juried Exhibition, Emeryville, CA
2019
Things Known, Solo Exhibition, Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, Moraga, CA
33rd Emeryville Celebration of the Arts, Juried Group Exhibition Emeryville, CA
2018
Abstract Land, Gallery Artists, Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA
2017
Solo Exhibition, Christina Maybaum Gallery, San Francisco, CA
Art Market San Francisco 2017, Christina Maybaum Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2016
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Lake Tahoe, CA
Solo Exhibition, Studio Shop Gallery, Burlington, CA
Mythos Gallery, Berkeley, CA
2015
Monte Verdi in Oakland, 2-Person Exhibition, 555 12th Street, City Center, Oakland, CA
Selected Works, Two-Person Exhibition, Alta Bates Campus Community Gallery, Berkeley, CA
2014
Heart of the Matter, Solo Exhibition, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of CA
28th Annual Celebration of the Arts Juried Exhibition, Emeryville, CA
Java and Jive, Breakfast Group 50th Anniversary Exhibition, RAC, Richmond, CA
2013
Toward Insight, Solo Exhibit, Artworks Downtown, San Rafael, CA
2012
26th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition and Catalog Emeryville, CA
On Paper, Of Paper, Art Faculty Group Exhibition, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
Muslim Eyes, Group Exhibition, Marin Community Foundation, Novato, CA
2011
Resplendent Land, Group Exhibition, Triton Museum, Santa Clara, CA
2010
24th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition and Catalog, Emeryville, CA
2009
Large Format Painting Exhibition , Art Works Downtown Art Center, San Rafael, CA
2008
Landscapes, A Language of the Heart, Solo Exhibition San Rafael, CA
Public Utility Commission Building, San Francisco, CA
22nd Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition and Catalog, Emeryville, CA
2007
Intimate Reflections, Paintings and Works on Paper, Solo Exhibition, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, CA
Fire In The Heart, Objects of Power and Healing, Solo Exhibition of Paintings, West African Sculpture and Photographs, Alta Bates Community Gallery, Berkeley, CA
2006
Art of Living, Group Exhibition, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA.
Guru Gita, Art from Sacred Text, Group Exhibition Siddha Meditation Ashram, Oakland, CA
2005
Water Meditation: Sacred Paintings, Solo Exhibition, Siddha Meditation Ashram, Oakland, CA
2004
New Work, Faculty Exhibition, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2002
New Work, Large Scale Paintings and Tribal Objects, Solo Exhibition, Studio 57, Emeryville, CA
Berkeley Breakfast Group,” Anolde’s, Berkeley, CA. The Berkeley Breakfast Group is an eclectic group of professional artists, curators and writers who meet weekly for breakfast to discuss and organize exhibits and programs
2000
Recent Paintings, Solo Exhibition, Robert Else Gallery, California State University, Sacramento, CA
1999
Measured Marks and Meaning, Recent Paintings, Solo Exhibition, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
1999-2004
Art of Living, Juried Exhibition, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA
Emeryville Celebration of the Arts Juried Exhibition, Emeryville, CA
1999-2003
Oakland Museum Coliseum Exhibition, Group Exhibition, Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, CA
1997
New Paintings, Solo Exhibition, Porter Troupe Gallery, San Diego, CA
1994
Faculty Art Exhibition, Group Exhibition, San Marco Gallery, Dominican University of CA, San Rafael, CA
New Work on Paper, Solo Exhibition, Joan Robuck Gallery, Lafayette, CA
1992
Synopsis, Solo Exhibition, Micro Systems Corporation, Mountain View, CA
1990
Five Emeryville Artists, Pacific Grove Art Center, Group Exhibition, Pacific Grove, CA
Patents and Patterns, Group Exhibition and Catalog ("Second Generation"), Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
4th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition, Juried Exhibition and Catalog, Emeryville, CA
Harambee, Group Exhibition, Hatley Martin Gallery, San Francisco, CA
AWARDS/PUBLICATIONS/SCHOLARSHIP
2023
Foad Satterfield Interview by Annabel Keenan—Painting Nature as a Means to Heal BOMB Magazine, Annabel Keenan, May 8, 2023
The Story of Incarceration That Inspired a Nature Painter Hyperallergic, Jennifer Remenchik, March 16, 2023
2015
Recipient of the Distinguished Joseph R. Fink Faculty Achievement Award, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2012
City of Emeryville Art In Public Places Project, Selected Artist, Emeryville CA
Published, 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts Exhibition Catalog
Endangered Species Of The Bay Area Project, Team Participant, Mentor, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dominican University of California Science Department, San Rafael, CA
2008
22nd Annual Emeryville Art Exhibit, Included in Exhibit Catalog Emeryville, CA
2007
Problems with Undergraduate Art Curriculum, Paper Presented, N.C.U.R. Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
Patterns of Life, Journal of Science and Social Engagement, Published: Satterfield, Caulkins, Cunniham, Ghosh, Science Journal Fall edition, Vol. 20
Intimate Reflections, Bita Kavehzadeh, Oakland Post, 43rd Year, No.45
2006
Vehicles Of Transformation, Paper presented, National Conference of African American Studies and Affiliates, Baton Rouge, LA
2004
18th Annual Emeryville Art Exhibition Catalog, Emeryville, CA
2003
Special Recognition Award, Hood Ceremony, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2001
Jan Hart-Schuyers Artist Achievement Award, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA
2000
Recent Paintings, Review by Elizabeth Dolkey, Sacramento Bee,
Foad Satterfield at Robert Else Gallery, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA
1997
West Coast Special Edition, Art Das Kunstmagzin Mr., 12 December,
Gallery Listing, Art in America
National Invitational Works on Paper, Catalog, University of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii
1994
Persistence Pays Off, American Press, August 1, Lake Charles, LA
Artist Recalls Roots, The Orange Leader, July 12, Orange, TX
1993
Nominated Fleishaker Foundation Grant for Painting, San Francisco, CA
1990
Mentioned, The Monterey Peninsula Review, March 4
Mentioned, Oakland Tribune, Lifestyles Section, May 9
Second Generation, Catalog, Sesnon Gallery, U.C. Santa Cruz, CA
LECTURES/TALKS/WORKSHOP/JURIED EXHIBITIONS
2024
Conversation with Richard Mayhew and Foad Satterfield “Art of the African Diaspora” Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA
2023
CAA CONFERENCE “Measuring Time: Pandemic Pursitys and Corona Clock”, Panelist: Jan Wurm, Renata Aller, Shervone Neckles, Foad Satterfield, New York, NY
Foad Satterfield discusses “The Intimate Connection Between Studio, Institutions and Marketplace”, Courtesy of ICB Artists Association and the Sausalito Center for the Arts, Sausalito, CA
Juried, Los Madanes College Annual Juried Arts Exhibition, Pittsburg, CA
2022
Conversation with Foad Satterfield & Cornel West, “Spaces Before Us”, Solo Exhibition, Malin Gallery, New York, NY
Artists Exchange, “Conversation with Louise Stanley and Foad Satterfield, Virtual Talk, Route 1, Point Reyes, CA
2021
”Making Your Studio More Efficient”, Virtual Talk, Artworks Downtown, San Rafael, CA
2019
Things Known, Artist Talk; Art Chat, Artist and Curator, Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, Moraga, CA
2015
Artist Talk, Monte Verdi In Oakland, 555 12Th Oakland, CA
2014
Juror, Alameda County Arts Fair, Painting, Drawing & Mixed Media, Alameda
2013
Juried, Art Exhibition, Ann O’Hanlon Art Center, Mill Valley, CA
Panelist UC Art Alumni Symposium, Authenticity, Appropriation, Application, Berkeley, CA
2012
Vehicle Of Transformation / Forms of Creativity In Contemplative Practices; Conference presentation, Dominican University, Forest River, IL
2008
An Imagined Life, Study, Painting, Curiosity, ”Sabbatical Presentation, Creekside Room, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2006
Fire in the Heart, Artist Talk, Alta Bates Medical Campus, Berkeley, CA
Intimate Reflections, Lecture, Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, CA
2005
Conversation With A Master Series Guest, Marvin Laposky, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2004
Conversation With A Master Series, Guest, Oliver Jackson, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
2002
Orange on Your Palette, Artist Talk, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA
2001
The African Sensibility Cosmology, Artist Forum, San Francisco, CA
1995
Shield Day, Guest Speaker, Dominican College, San Rafael, CA
1994
Target 2000 Conference, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
Paste Up, Collage Workshop, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, SF, CA
1992
Critical Reflections”, Address given at Oakwood College Chapel, Huntsville, AL
1990
Mutual Native Duplex, Bay Windows, “ Peace and Anwar Sadat”, Produced by Ulysses Jenkins, Commissioned by Festival 2000, Broadcast by KQED
Performed at the San Francisco Exploratory, San Francisco, CA
MEMBERSHIPS
1977-Present
Emeryville Artist Co-Operative, Emeryville, CA
2008-2018
American Association of University Professors
2007-2008
Faculty Assembly President, Dominican University
2005-Present
Friends Of Ethic Arts, Board Member, San Francisco, CA
1994-95
Member, Board of Directors, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA
1993-94
Faculty Assembly President, Dominican University of CA
GALLERY REPRESENTATION
The Studio Shop Gallery
Burlingame, CA 94010
Christina Maybaum Gallery
San Francisco, CA 94108