The three 62 x 31 x 3 inch panels in the studio, September 2017.
A blank canvas is many things to an artist. It’s a challenge and an opportunity. Having ordered the three panels from my friend “Ron the framer,” I secured the base sheet of pulp to the surfaces and am ready to begin the painting (left). This is both an intimidating moment and one of pure thrill. I love the challenge of working in multiples and on a large scale with imagery that needs to work harmoniously, as one unit, in tandem with its neighboring paintings. The subject of each painting needs to flow back and forth so that one compliments the others, all the while holding its own identity. This is a far more challenging task than when working on a single image that does not need to share space with other work.
Me taking photos of the wall for which the three panels will be installed. October, 2017.
Because I work with architects and designers, the blank canvas extends to the intended space where the work will be installed. Often, this space is the construction site-full of dust and debris. I honestly love visiting the site, donning a hard hat and photographing the soon to be completed wall. The busy workers, noisy power tools, and smell of production are reminders for why I enjoy making site specific work. I love the companionship of working with people who see a vision, a future space where one does not currently exist. In many ways, this is what I see as an artist looking at a blank canvas: a future space where one does not currently exist.
Next post: the beginning stage of the paintings.
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Leonardo da Vinci
