Wednesday, September 23, 2009

More Works in Progress


So one of my major goals here is to create an art object that is aesthetically successful. I'd love some feedback on that. And feel free to give criticism here.


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Sarah's Questions

Sarah had some good questions. She said, "Help me out with additional explanations for "topographical imagery, networked lines, textile designs, and language." I enjoy abstraction a lot more when I know more about what it means. (is that a contradiction?)
I'm also not clear on what exactly you mean by a fictional culture. I feel like I have a good grasp on what culture is but I'm not sure not how you would create one through a painting.
Hopefully I'm not bringing down the group here--don't cast your pearls before swine or anything--its just that my right brain needs developing."

I'm guessing she isn't the only one confused here. I have no pearls and know no swine, but here you go:

Topographical imagery: One of the major compositional components of each painting is a map. Sometimes it looks more like explosions when it's finished, but it starts as a map.

Networked lines: Looking closed you'll see lot's of straight lines that all come together at random points. These are symbolic of an economic system where people are exchanging goods as gifts. The lines are the exchanges, the points are the people.

Textile designs: They started out as patterns a culture might use in textile. Now they're very organic, but the stripes of wavy lines are what I'm talking about.

Language: The numbers are my culture's language.

Each of these elements is part of the "fictional culture" I referred to. It isn't terribly detailed or fleshed out. In the end, when all of the paintings, string installation, and audio piece are put together it should create a unique experience. I'm hoping that that experience feels other-worldly or slightly displaced from reality. I'm going for that state of consciousness you have when you're lost in a good book.