Do You Dream In Color?

Posted on July 5, 2012 by cecelia

Most people, except psychologists, don’t think a lot about color, except that they come to believe they “look best” in certain colors, some colors go together well and others clash. Today’s clashing colors are tomorrows hot new ones. Emotions and tastes (as in the mouth) are color driven. Ask any advertiser or product developer.

I think about color all the time. Over the course of my life in and with art, much of my decision making about color has become intuitive so it’s a little disingenuous to say I think about color all the time. But color is often the driving force in my work. It happens. It makes other things happen.

I recently completed a group of prints, each of which is divided into three parts like this one.

#1245 Strip Show 1, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

The top section is a monotype. It is a rectangle of color, almost pure color with just a hint of bleached out marks. The bottom is a small etching, busy and energetic. A thin strip of a monotype or collagraph print separates the two. Here is another one.

#1246 Strip Show 2, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

The strip is needed to separate the top and bottom, yet hold onto the connection.

#1247 Strip Show 3, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

The small etchings are re-purposed prints from my stash, ready to be used in new and different ways. Their colors determined the color of the larger rectangle. Of all the color choices available, why did I choose these? Intuition? Would you believe me if I said a certain color “felt right?” That I “saw” it before I mixed the printing ink?

#1248 Strip Show 4 monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

Why did I add the bleached out streaks and spots in the upper rectangle? The color would be too flat looking without them. Boring. It had to contrast with the etching but also have a connection to it.

#1249 Strip Show 5, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

Color is an important tool in my toolbox, although not the only one. Here are a few more pieces in the series for you to consider.

#1250 Strip Show 6, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

#1251 Strip Show 7, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

#1252 Strip Show 8, monotype:etching 11 3:4 x 6 3:4" 2011

How do you respond to color? Think about it.

Unwrapped

Posted on May 14, 2012 by cecelia

Some of my recent work is currently in the exhibit “Collected Memories” which just opened at Mary Tomas Studio Gallery, Dallas.

Ready to go.

The operative word for this group of work is “re-purpose.” Same as “re-cycle.” Your choice. I have selected parts of my earlier collagraph and monotype prints, cut them up (yes!) and combined them to make a collage.

collagraph – a permanent collage of materials, inked and printed. Original.

monotype – a one-of-a-kind print from an image drawn or painted on a plate such as plexiglass or metal. Original.

These collages incorporate parts of my digital photographs from the ongoing “Underfoot” series. The photos capture street markings from many different cities. I like their abstract quality.

This is one such photograph.

Underfoot #3775

Here is the combined photo + collage

#1232 Untitled, photo+collage, 24x20", 2010

Another photo.

Underfoot #7286

As part of the collage.

#1239 Untitled, photo+collage, 41.5 x 29.5", 2011

Here are a few more pieces in the show.

#1233 Untitled, photo+collage, 24x20", 2010

#1241 Untitled, photo+collage, 22x30", 2011

The lines, textures, shapes and colors of the “Underfoot” photos play off against the same qualities found in the collaged segments of prints.

Relationships – that’s what it’s about. And, serendipity. And, not getting hit when I stand in the street taking pictures.

The exhibit runs through June 9. Catch it if you can.

My Neck of the Woods

Posted on February 29, 2012 by cecelia

“Every day’s a new day….” That’s what it’s like when I enter my studio. Whatever the medium, paint, paper, etching ink or digital files, no two days are ever the same. That open-ended process of day-to-day or week by week (yes, even year to year) flow is what i would like to share with you. It’s a journey full of starts and stops, moving along smoothly or hitting the proverbial speed bumps. Along the way you may gain some insight into why and how I do what I do.

I have been at this thing called “art” for a long time. Many people have been encouraging (urging?) me to write about the “how” and “why” of my life in and with art. So, here goes.

If you would like to hear from me from time to time, please subscribe to receive the blog via email. Check out the newest stuff on my artist website www.studio7310.com. Share with friends. Let me hear from you. Making art is a solitary endeavor. It doesn’t have to be lonely.

And remember – make your life a work of art.