By arranging individual expansion-event pieces (see previous post) I arrived at a possible combination of effects as different from each other as they could be in both color and pattern. The next step is creating the actual piece, and this takes the endeavor to a new level of difficulty.
Making a multi-event glue painting like this is a complex process that tests my skill, nerves, and luck simultaneously. It is in many ways a "performance" that must take place within a limited window of time and must be executed flawlessly since the process is not correctable due to the translucency of the surface (I really have to enter a certain mental zone, like an athlete, when i begin).
The formulas have known characteristics but are not 100% predictable in the way will behave once they begin to expand. Even if the drops of color media are skillfully combined in a central pinpoint of their circular pools, all environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pessure, etc.) must be optimal for their flowering to be fortuitous.
It will be many hours until the results are known (they continue expanding for hours), in which time all i can do is hope for the best.
When the final result is as attractive as the example above, I'm not only relieved, but thankful and amazed.
As of this writing, the painting pictured above is available through The Red Arrow Gallery in Joshua Tree, CA.
Next post: The ALL-BLACK - - most research-intensive project of them all.
