'Rhythmical Lines, Works on Paper' Exhibit of abstracts by Claire Boren at JCC gallery BY LINDA DeNICOLA Correspondent An exhibit of lyrical abstract/figurative paintings opened at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal Park on Aug. 31. "Free Reign" "Rhythmical Lines, Works on Paper" showcases the work of Rumson artist Claire Boren, an imaginative and deeply feeling artist who has exhibited her work at galleries in New Jersey and New York. Most of the works have been created within the past two years. "For the past several years, my work has consisted of large abstract figurative paintings on paper, and compositions of found objects in small boxes," said Boren. "While the execution may differ, my themes remain constant: human relationships, the existential concept of humankind's ultimate aloneness, and the ravages of war and prejudice. These thoughts are in the forefront of my mind and work." Boren and her husband, Adam, have lived in Rumson since 1990; before that, the couple lived in Ocean Township.. Boren said she began working as a fulltime artist in 1995 when she took a twoyear sabbatical from her job with Jewish Family and Children's Services. Until that point, she was a Sundayonly watercolorist, working as a social worker and nurturing a family. During those first two years when she was able to devote herself to her own expressive work, the output was rather dark, she said, reflecting her memories of her childhood during the Holocaust. "I needed to do that work. Now my work is lighter, but still emotionally autobiographical," she said, adding that her latest works are "a bit happier." Boren said she has worked intensely since 1995 and has a lot of work to show for her efforts. She said she feels compelled to work on the large edgy abstracts. She buys rolls of watercolor paper, which are unusually wide. "Most of my work is large, at least 54 inches on one side, and anywhere from 32 to 70 inches in the other direction," she said. Boren uses large chunks of charcoal and oil sticks, directly on the paper without the intermediary of tools, sometimes atop layers of acrylic washes. "This process enables me to express emotion directly onto paper," she said, explaining that she likes to begin her paintings in an "explosive, spontaneous manner." Later, she develops the work more slowly and thoughtfully, she said. Boren did not go to art school, but she has studied over the years at various workshops until she found one that resonated with her and moved her artwork forward. She has continued with the same teacher. Boren is represented by Apart Contemporary Gallery, Asbury Park, and the JCC has shown her work on a number of occasions. She has also had exhibitions at the Art Alliance in Red Bank, the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft, and the Ocean County Artist Guild. In addition, her work was shown in 2006 at the Port Authority Unity Canvas show in New York and New Jersey. "A lot of my work is very figurative. I think of something or feel something, and begin a painting that expresses various things, like what it feels like to be alone, or depressed, or in a particular situation," she said. "I am working through my memories. I need to do my work." "Rhythmical Lines, Works on Paper" will run through Oct. 31 at the JCC's Gallery on Grant, which is at 100 Grant Ave. in Deal. Walk-in gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call the JCC at (732) 531-9100.