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Taking the pressure off



I launched 2013 with a trip to NYC. Oh the art, the density of everything, the energy. Splendid beyond all imaginings.

When I returned home I decided to pursue my love of cardboard, thanks to an introduction to Franz West at the MOMA. I decided to reduce my materials cost therefore taking some pressure off of myself to create a Masterpiece on every canvas and cradled panel I invest in. Cardboard is free for the taking and often comes "prepped" for collage with packing tape, shipping labels and printing.

In the above piece I first laid down some acrylic paint. I then transferred a colour printout of some graffiti that I had photographed. This was followed with collage ephemera and more acrylic. Once I felt that the groundwork was in place, I transferred a black and white photo of my daughter into the composition there by creating a focal point. Lastly I further painted into the piece to emphasize or deemphasize various aspects of the composition. The final steps for this are stitching into the cardboard with my sewing machine (I so love fabric & fiber) and then applying a protective coating to seal the cardboard.

What I love about this work, and the others like it that I have subsequently created, is that my focus has shifted. I am not worried - well not nearly as much - about whether the final is art-worthy; I am concentrating on my brush work, colour blending and more technical skills. The interesting thing is that I feel more creative and freer.

If you are interested in learning more about my techniques, please feel free to comment. I will get back to you.

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