Demarcate

steel, copper, lead, burning, rust, graphite, coal dust, gesso, bolts, on wood panel.

H: 48"

W: 48"

Elements… and beyond

My most recent work comes out of a series called Elements. These painting contain no paint and instead use non-traditional painting materials including burnt wood, lead, copper, steel brass, graphite, and rust. 

Organic materials focused on tones of rich browns and warm black are juxtaposed against a strong geometric structure. The series has a very architectural feel and like much of my past work these pieces continue to explore absence and presence, signs and symbols and how meaning is portrayed in abstract images. Process is a very important part of this work. Something that is burnt is physically absent yet visually present. The pieces are burnt sanded rusted and rubbed The natural materials are taken and then changes their physical state altered. One of the most interesting things about this work is that this process will continue over time and the pieces all continue to change and evolve taking on a life of their own.

The introduction of Corten steel to the series has been very exciting. As a material it is not only beautiful but stands as a symbol to the importance of time and the natural changes of state that are an integral part of this work. Corten steel link this work to architecture which has strongly informed the series.