Sunday, May 24, 2015

Frames of reference























Above is an ink design framed by a flea-market frame 
which I gold-leafed and antiqued. I've been trying this 
ornate look out, inspired by the miniature gilt frames of 
Daguerrotype photographs.

The mottled mirror-glass of this early portrait technology
(sample upper right) is also fueling my recent experiments.

How my new work will be hung has felt very important. It's unusual for me to fixate on framing so early on in the process. 

I suppose this is because of the value of FRAMING a concept in the most broad definition of the term.

























Above: image of vintage 'frame-less mirrors'
that have inspired me as well. 

To the right you see the beginning stages of getting the materials ready for these pieces: 

The top image is of laboriously cut and sanded pine wood panel which has then been gessoed and sanded at least 6 times to imitate the wonderful surface of Ampersand panels which I cannot afford!

Below that photo is a pile of goodies for hanging these frame-less works, all found in my basement of delights. It's in moments like these I know exactly why I don't like to throw anything away. My Basement is like Snoopy's doghouse.





Finally, I share a photo of a mirror hung in the cellar bathroom area of a restaurant I was in this weekend. I love the way it hangs - lurks, dauntingly over the viewer. It seems to be floating.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Reflections: Los Bichos

 

Until further notice I will refer to these studies as Los Bichos (the bugs). Amongst other concepts, the new work is addressing parasitic relationships.  But, today I'm here to share the joy and frustration of exploring new techniques.







In the process of investigating replication and reflection, I decided to toy with mirror and muriatic acid. Dangerous, unpredictable, fun. I have a long way to go to get the effects I'm hoping for, but I didn't realize they would be so hard to photograph!






These samples are the same piece - taken at different angles! Happy Accident? It may be so.

 




So, I began to do it on purpose. 

Now what!?




Stay tuned...