You Tube from B’dos
Sorry I’m so late in putting this up – this is from the night of the opening:
“Where have you dripped?”
I’ve been trying to conceptualize the next step in my dripping motif. Establishing the elusive elegance of mortality in the drips is one thing. The visual tension between what is there and what is fleeting. I’m considering taking the motif further with the idea, “where have you dripped?”. Unlike dust, humans have (or have the potential to have) an impact on their environment, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even as our flesh slowly flees the earth, we leave residue, we leave evidence, we leave drips.
In thinking of composition and subject matter I think this will become an integral theme in my work. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Moving on
Now with some time to think about the direction I’m headed with my work, I thought I’d put up my reading list for books that are on my reading palette.
This book was recommended by Susan Mains and is a combination of art history, criticism and technical guide all wrapped up in an engaging true story. This book is sitting on the coffee table in my studio waiting to be read.
Concerning the Spiritual in Art. By Wassily Kandinsky.
A staple for any artist to understand some of the conceptual grounding for the use of form and color, particularly in painting. Kandinsky also touches on the position of the artist as an avant garde. A lot of the work is pretty esoteric but interesting in the artistic conversation.
What Painting Is. By James Elkins
I carry this book around with me and read when I get moments. Elkins likens painting to alchemy as a basic premise. As a painter we work with chemicals and elements such as earth (pigments) and water (or oil) to create something on canvas that is ‘gold’. As an art form painting is very tactile and messy and like alchemists, painters spend their time combining different chemicals at different ratios in search of a perfect balance.
In Pursuit of Elegance. By Matthew E. May
Symmetry, Subtraction, Seduction, Sustainability. These are the elements of elegance. This book is usually found in the science section but it is applicable in business, art, and just plain old good ideas. There are many elements I’ve taken away from reading this book that I am applying in my art and how I think about my work.
I have a couple other books on my wishlist but these are the ones that I’m juggling right now. Let me know if you are reading any of the same!
Barbados show a success!
I am sitting in the Barbados airport waiting to fly back to Dallas via Miami. The quick reflection is that the time in Barbados has been a success. The show was hung in time (complete with building the stretchers and stretching the paintings the day before). A lot of people came by for the opening and we got some good media attention. You can read Ian Bourne’s review here: http://bajanreporter.com/?p=8082
Taking a break in between stretching canvases
Giving the opening remarks
All in all, it was good to have launched my first solo exhibition and to look forward to more on the horizon. There are different directions to go in after this exhibitions and so you’ll find me in my studio painting (when I’m not stretching canvases).
One of the enjoyable parts of the evening was having the opportunity to play with Bajan saxophonist, Andre Woodvine. We improvised several Jazz standards and played around with some Calypso and Reggae themes as well. A good time was had by all.
Playing with Andre Woodvine
Thanks to Don and Catherine Cheeatow for pulling it together, Chris Hoad for hosting it at the Mews, my parents and wife Steph for the work they did and my studio assistant in Dallas, Wendy Gamon for prepping everything for travel.
In other news I submitted my application for the MFA at SMU this afternoon and so those wheels are in motion. I will be sure to let you all know the results.
Drumming for Susan Mains' opening
