Oh hai new things.
Details, new work – 22" x 22"
Since my last meeting with my mentor Ka'ila I've been trying to work outside of my comfort zone. I've changed up how I normally do things. Instead of working on the table, I am working on the floor. Instead of going to my normal set of brushes I've opted for those larger in scale.
I'm dripping my paint onto the page directly from my palette. I'm spattering it with my brush. I'm using watercolor crayons to draw into wet paint. I push and pull the pools of color around with a plastic edge. My marks are impulsive and my strokes are bold. I work in a frenzy and I've never felt more free.
Then, I have to stop myself. From not over working it. I come up for air and sprinkle salt into the saturated areas then walk away.
Works in progress
I am still working out this new direction in my head but I also feel like it is addressing themes that have always interested me in a more authentic way. Mostly the relationship between opposites: order + chaos. control + lack there of. Maybe it is because the materials are the same but the way in which it is being expressed feels more charged.
The watercolors feel like a source of life – it attracts and emits energy at the same time. The marks are chaotic. Subtle or bold – steadfast or impulsive they bring an element of consideration layered on top of the watercolor base.
I'm only using pencil and some colored charcoal for what's layered on top. I do not want to over work these pieces until I spend some time with them and get some other points of view. I can easily add in stitches and collage if needed, but I don't know – right now I am sort of enjoying the simplicity and letting the elements breathe.
