Wednesday, February 10, 2016

THE DRAPE

#1515 (Warm Drape), Ink and watercolor suspended in polyvinyl resin glue on cradled wood panel, 36" x 36"

In a radical break from my usual practical and highly organized research methods I indulge in a spectacular experiment of organic formula interaction. With only a list of red and black formulas to refer to, and a working knowledge of their properties, I begin by pouring the wet glue at the top and allow gravity to pull it down into a drape-like shape within the prepared format. The formulas are introduced at random intervals as points that quickly flower and communicate with each other - creating a rich and sensual tapestry of action and reaction.
The fact that all of this interplay takes place within a single defined shape distinct from the square frame of the glue-bed format gives it a sense of "entity", suggesting a figure-ground relationship rather than a wall-to-wall field - - regardless of the myriad unique and distinct entities within.
It is many and it is one.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

MOLECULAR COMMUNION

#1511, Ink and watercolor suspended in polyvinyl resin glue, latex paint on cradled wood panel, 36" x 36"

Individual related formulas (small cells) are linked around communal pools (large cells) into which they are introduced together to interact freely (see communion).

The wood grain of the support panel is exposed here (sealed with several coatings of glue) in order to make the linear linkages visible.

Really had my "mad scientist" hat on here.

Click on image to enlarge

Thursday, January 14, 2016

COMMUNION

#1512, Ink and watercolor suspended in polyvinyl resin glue on wood panel, 36" x 36"

Curiosity leads me to create a communal space for the individual formulas to intermingle freely in their wet state. Once limited to the size of the cell in which they expanded alone, they now reveal another dimension of their character by competing for space - some pushing others aside, some compacting, some merging with others.
A fascinating process to behold, and a whole new area of research to develop.
Various strategies of communion are represented here, many with the wood grain surface of the cradled panel revealed for the first time (instead of being covered by the usual 1/4" thick bed of glue) to allow greater differentiation between formula cells and communal pools, but more about that next time.....

24" x 24"

12" x 12"

18"h x 24"w