As promised, here are the side and back views of the previous canvas. I did not tweak the color on the side/top image; it is actually a bit darker and drabber, more of a *mud* look on the paste part. It was accomplished with Golden Crackle Paste, which will hold up well as long as there is a stable support behind it. Thus, using it on the sides of the canvas where it is wrapped around the wood works well. Using it on the canvas proper is another story.....yes, I tried it before......But I digress. More of the blue butterflies are visible, the half acorn and the highlighting of the *mud* with blue, to represent water.
The back was interesting building up color--I ended up with brighter areas than I thought I would. Generally I sort of let this take it's own life and see what happens. The cavity contains stones, a shell, broken pottery, a dry twig and grass. The Fleur De Lys is distressed with paint and appears to be old and decaying---corrosion streaking down the back. it is not the proud symbol of an old and historical city but rather a forlorn survivor. The suspended heart is a subtle reference to Mardi Gras and the *anthem* "If Ever I Cease To Love". It is clean, suspended above the wreckage and a potent reminder that love and passion can survive any disaster; that through those emotions people join together to support, to comfort, to rebuild. However, at this point in the series, it is just the visual reminder.
The butterfly on the back can be interpreted in a couple of ways; as another person lost in the water and mud, or the soul of the city, hovering between staying or leaving.
Despite the actual description, these box canvas are beautiful to hold and turn and look at, and then to interpret in your own way. I think the layering allows the viewer to find whatever is there for them, to seek their own personal depth with the pieces.
Tristan had commented on how, even with the collage, they all look painted, and although I do collage quite a bit, I paint almost everything to some extent. So again, visually, it really reads as a painting with texture provided by mediums used.
And now I am waxing waaaaaay too artistic and cerebral, so I leave you with this:
Just enjoy it!
The back was interesting building up color--I ended up with brighter areas than I thought I would. Generally I sort of let this take it's own life and see what happens. The cavity contains stones, a shell, broken pottery, a dry twig and grass. The Fleur De Lys is distressed with paint and appears to be old and decaying---corrosion streaking down the back. it is not the proud symbol of an old and historical city but rather a forlorn survivor. The suspended heart is a subtle reference to Mardi Gras and the *anthem* "If Ever I Cease To Love". It is clean, suspended above the wreckage and a potent reminder that love and passion can survive any disaster; that through those emotions people join together to support, to comfort, to rebuild. However, at this point in the series, it is just the visual reminder.The butterfly on the back can be interpreted in a couple of ways; as another person lost in the water and mud, or the soul of the city, hovering between staying or leaving.
Despite the actual description, these box canvas are beautiful to hold and turn and look at, and then to interpret in your own way. I think the layering allows the viewer to find whatever is there for them, to seek their own personal depth with the pieces.
Tristan had commented on how, even with the collage, they all look painted, and although I do collage quite a bit, I paint almost everything to some extent. So again, visually, it really reads as a painting with texture provided by mediums used.
And now I am waxing waaaaaay too artistic and cerebral, so I leave you with this:
Just enjoy it!
3 comments:
I love the way you manage to make these look as though they have been standing out in the weather for a few years.
Thank you so much!!! That is precisely what I try to accomplish with each one. The gentle patina of wear and age. That things decay beautifully and that perfection is NOT necessarily a thing of beauty---individuality and where something is in its life cycle is what counts.
Not unlike us.....HAHAHA!!!!
Where am I in my life cycle? Definitely deteriorating!
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