The beauty and strength of the female form is central to the work of artist, Pamela Underwood. For Underwood, the body represents the signature and symbol of every human being. Significantly, she incorporates representations of her own anatomy in many of her pieces.

Underwood, an active painter, print maker and mixed media artist, captures her unique persona through ‘Bodywriting.’ This is a process, which enables the artist to document her own anatomy through the creation of negative signatures which outline her own physical structure. She uses materials such as gesso, natural pigments, paint, Vaseline and wax to capture elements of her physique such as her torso and head. These elements often become the central focus of her artistic expression.

Much of Underwood’s work also relates to the healing process. She has expressed her individual suffering as a victim of childhood incest, not only through ‘Bodywriting’, but through evocative and visceral performance pieces and documentaries. She is probably most noted for her moving presentation done at Sushi in 1991 called, ‘Dear Granddaddy.’ In this performance, Underwood confronts her grandfather about his violations of her through a letter. Originally, this therapeutic piece was presented at a workshop held by the acclaimed performance artist, Karen Finley at SDSU in 1990.

In all of her art, Underwood reveals the beauty and sorrow of a rural, Southern childhood. These regional experiences began for the artist in the mid-fifties, first in Louisiana and continued in Texas. Many of her early memories provide a rich source from which to begin her creative process.

Pamela Underwood is a tall, striking woman who still speaks with the unique drawl of a southemer. Like her hometown of Fort Worth, the artist is a fascinating dicotomy of both a ‘homespun rural gal’ and a sophisticated artist who has traveled extensively. She even describes Fort Worth, where she spent most of her youth as a ,/cow town with culture.’ Although the city is noted for its sea of stockyards, it is also known as a place that supports the arts. Underwood is proud of the fact that Fort Worth is home to both the Kimball Art Museum as well as a renowned symphony.

Currently, the inspiration for much of Underwood’s artwork derives from nature. She lives and works in a rustic area of North county on several acres. Sadly, Underwood and her family were displaced by a fire which engulfed a large portion of their home more than a year ago. The Underwood family is now finally able to resume life in their rural setting. Throughout this ordeal, the artist maintained an admirable stoicism and continued on with her work.

Perhaps the natural elements closest to Underwood are the large boulders or rock formations that are scattered throughout her property. Not only do they have a unique presence, but to the artist they are reminiscent of the human body. Their smooth forms provide a great deal of inspiration to her.

Today, Underwood continues with her art making and “Bodywriting” workshops, which she has held for the past five years. These are done periodically for small groups of women in a converted barn. This structure functions

As her studio and the nexus of her creative activity. Underwood is also frequently busy with the work she does bringing art to San Diego elementary schools. She has been a founding member of the Grossmont College Art Council for over three years, We are truly fortunate to have such a creative and talented individual committed to Hyde Gallery and our Art Council Board.