|
The Vessel Series, 2004-2005
My current series of paintings uses vessels as the object of choice. The vessels are used as much as graphic elements as representations of objects found in everyday life. The vessels provide an anchor in a setting that has some identifiable elements but is mostly ambiguous. Texture and colour are two elements found in these paintings. The texture is created with the use of molding paste and palette knife. In a world where so much is viewed behind smooth glass and texture is an optical illusion, I savor the tactile quality, both when I’m creating and then again upon completion of a painting when I can drag my hand across the finished surface. As time goes by, my desire to understand the finer points of colour increases. The palette I employ is tertiary for the most part with occasional hints of primary. The "Colour Study" series of six one-foot square paintings was created using a single palette. Through mixing I was able to compose some very interesting colour compositions. These six paintings are modular and can be hung in a variety of groupings. The passageways, alcoves and back lighting in Backlit on the Shelf and Red - Half Hidden are new to my work. Using these new elements I am trying to add a bit of mystery and three-dimensional depth. I will continue to work with the colour studies and the mystery created with alcoves and back lighting. I find that there is much to explore in the space of tension between the real and the abstract, and I am repeatedly drawn to that space as a painter. |
