PAINTING CONCEPTS AND THE PRINTING PRESS
Making the most of a certain medium is a way forward. What is unique to that medium? The idea of flatness in painting, specific to that medium is one area I have become interested in exploring. Another is an emphasis on the actual material of painting playing a larger role. In the past I used printmaking as a way of expanding my experience and understanding. In these recent pieces flatness which is the usual state of paper and then layering of different colored papers is occurring. The compositions and surface design are all working toward a frontal/flat reading. I am also interested in the actual pressure that is created when putting the assembled paper and plate through the etching press. Somehow that way of making the pieces on the press, unifying the separate elements into a whole, has helped cement certain ideas in my mind and given me some ways to move into other media like painting.
Taking the brushstroke and even paint out of these has also allowed certain aspects to come forward. Removing things I rely on and reconsidering and starting from the ground up seems helpful at this time.
As for expression, it seems to come about when least expected and is the most mysterious part. I hesitate to offer any thoughts here and will let others get whatever they can from the work.
