CAVE







So here is another sample of my art. This time its completely different from my last entry in both look and how its created.

This piece was created using acetate plastic from old tape cassette cases, which was smashed and then melted using a blow torch to create the smooth surfaces. The colour was created using matt house paints using a dry brush technique, whereby a small amount of paint is applied to a brush and then lightly flicked onto the surface to create subtle light broken brush strokes. Building up these strokes created many layers of fine detail.

Finally the finishing touch was to use a few whole tins of clear wood varnish to seal everything in place and to create the water type reflections.

You can see the detail much better in the close up shot. Again this is meant to be viewed from all angles, from afar and very close up indeed and this is also intended for people to touch as well, to really feel the changes in the surface.

It is very alien in nature and was created by sheer experimentation, it was only when I had finished that I stood back and was shocked just how realistic it was in comparison to the inside of a cave wall. Anyone that has been pot-holing will instantly appreciate this.

I really do like this piece personally and never get tired of looking at it. I suppose it appeals to my primeval instincts on a subconscious level.

JADE BURN

This second work is a very recent piece and shows my development. This time the base texture was created using everyday filler and sealant. The box frame was built and a hardboard sheet attached. Then drill holes were dotted randomly around the surface. Once done, 4 inch masonry nails were hammered in for the spiked effect you see. The texture was applied using old paint brushes and wound around the nails to hide the metal to create stone like pinnacles. White spray paint was applied to hide any breaks and to give a wash of white. Then car body under-seal was smudged around the surface and scorched with a blow torch. The beauty of this substance is that is turn into a solid cast metal like texture, similar to lava flows. I then also used a yellow house paint that when burned turned to an orange colour and also gave wonderful burnt brown parts.

In a flash of inspiration I got out a tin of wood paint that was a jade green wash, typically used for subtle was effects on furniture. When I stared to apply this I was just taken a back by the stunning changes in the colour of the piece. This went from a mixture of deep grey and orange to a white and jade coloured stone like surface.

I love the way that the piece resembled an alien landscape when you view it flat on a table. If you put your head right down to the side you are almost taken to distant planet and see yourself flying across the landscape. The pinnacles give a depth similar to mountainous peaks and the surface is dotted with holes and crater like dishes.

The big child in me was fascinated by this and I was pretty much imagining I was Luke Skywalker for about half an hour!!!

ICE STORM

This third work also uses 6 inch masonry nails, but this time I chose to keep the piece totally white. I conciously put the nails in densely at the edges fading to one single very large cone in the centre. This was to draw the eye right into the centre of the composition and hold you there. Shadows are created with lighting in any room you place this in. Like Jade Burn, this is also appreciated more from a close up view from the sides. You really get drawn deep into the surface by the tall spikes and the shadows. To me this became a dream like ice planet with huge ice needles.

Yes I do have a very active and vivid imagination - but then I suppose all artists do! I want my art to be different and unique and to do more than just look interesting. I want the viewer to be taken on a visual journey and to have to study the textures and surfaces I create. I'm sure you can see why I have difficulty in categorising my work.

Well, please do comment on these, and do give me your instant reactions to these. I will be continuing to add pieces to this blog so you can all start to see the variety in my work. Even though my new works are totally different, I still hold to the basic textural surfaces to give extra dimension to my art.

I look forward to your comments.