Project I: Untitled 2013
38" x 69" Mixed media on canvas
Series: Leafy Impetus (Working titled)
Project II: Untitled 2013
(43" x 56") x 2 Diptych. Mixed media on canvas
Series: Leafy Impetus (Working title)
Project III: Untitled 2013
13 .5" x 63" Mixed media on canvas
Series: Leafy Impetus (Working title)
Project IV: Untitled 2013
36" x 95" Mixed media on canvas
Series: Leafy Impetus (Working title)
Artist Statement
This series, Leafy Impetus (working title), consists of drawings and paintings originally inspired by Spanish moss, the aerial plant found in the southeastern parts of the United States, which I use as a versatile natural painting brush. This series began in summer of 2012, when I started frequenting Savannah, Georgia, a fantastical moss-ridden environment. As I picked up fallen strands of ‘conquistadores beards’ -named after the Spaniards bearded faces- I was moved to use its attractive and intricately complex structure. In so doing I imagined I might gain access to ancient secrets or mythical stories.
While I work on these pieces, I imagine myself floating or flying into these nebulous painted environments that are reminders of what I saw as a child through the eye-piece of a microscope. I dip and soak moss and other botanical matters alike, in various liquids and paint, followed by energetic applications to rough textured canvas via whipping, rubbing and pressing; the myriad of effects attained inspire future exploration and discoveries.
The way the paint reacts between my actions and the surface, results into marks that translate into worlds which I lastly visit with my pencil drawings. These pictorial adventures are what drive my scientific curiosity and artistic passion to create the works in this series.
While I work on these pieces, I imagine myself floating or flying into these nebulous painted environments that are reminders of what I saw as a child through the eye-piece of a microscope. I dip and soak moss and other botanical matters alike, in various liquids and paint, followed by energetic applications to rough textured canvas via whipping, rubbing and pressing; the myriad of effects attained inspire future exploration and discoveries.
The way the paint reacts between my actions and the surface, results into marks that translate into worlds which I lastly visit with my pencil drawings. These pictorial adventures are what drive my scientific curiosity and artistic passion to create the works in this series.
Details
Project I: Image taken during work in progress.
This detail image shows the various effects obtained by applying different techniques and layers, including the use of Spanish moss as a brush and an assortment of pencils for the drawing.
Project II: Detail.
This detail image shows the result of using Spanish moss (particles of it remain embedded during the painting process) as well as the overlap of paint over the drawing stages.
Project IV: Detail
Image taken prior to final stage where the drawing becomes fully incorporated into the design by overlapping paint marks.
Behind the scenes...
At the studio in Wynwood.
