Friday, August 29, 2008

Work in Progress:minus Dog&I and Trapper John

Two views, same painting.
The egg wash and chalk drawing is completely covered in 1-3 layers of aluminum leaf, adhered with gelatin slurry . I am in the process of burnishing the surface with cotton wool to reveal the images beneath the aluminum leaf.


There is a tradition of devotional art in which the sacred is visited through repitious acts, such as tending the altar every day. I have seen Shiva altars in which layer upon layer of silver or gold leaf is encrusted inches thick on the yoni/linga. This painting reminds me of the practice. The aluminum leaf will continue to be added until the Dog&I and the Trapper John become iconic. Sometimes the light hits this canvas and I am momentarily blinded by the brilliance.
Can you see what I see?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Looking forward.