Vedauwoo no.138

Description

My art is a visual record of events that take place. I try and capture the moments of perfection once they show themselves.  I set myself to work on an idea and almost immediately a tension develops between artistic control and trying to stay out of the way.  I’ve found that the most satisfying work is the work that is most difficult to resolve. And successful work is that which best reflects the process of creation.

The imagery comes from a long-standing commitment to modernist conventions.  The simplistic imagery is an attempt to tap into places we’ve been that linger in our memories.  I’ve found my minimalist designs appeal to people on a primitive level.  Because of this anyone can easily understand my work.  It may look childlike but not childish.

I first start by stretching handmade paper made of cotton, mulberry and straw, on large 4×8 boards. Medium body acrylics are then used to texture the surface, however sometimes the paper is left in its natural color to add an organic element to the artwork.  Each shape is then cut freehand giving the piece’s crisp edges as well as organic character.  Wheat paste that is shipped from Japan in a powder form, is boiled down with water and then pushed through a horse hair strainer to remove all fine lumps.  The glue is then applied with a wide brush to the back of each piece and placed on the artwork making sure that all excess glue and bubbles are removed between each application. This technique is only known by a handful of artisans in the United States and traditionally used to restore antique shoji screens and scrolls.