Madness in Tangible Form

Perhaps I suffer from OCD.

If I didn't give in to the mad activities that my imagination dictates would I run amuck in the streets?! My large scale installation projects generally take many months and even years to complete and I sincerely don't know when it was that I acquired the necessary patience to see them through.

The first capsule project that I had the good fortune to show (gelatin capsules filled with feathers) was over 5 ft in length and I see this piece even larger. I would like the current capsule panel to hang from ceiling to floor. (Maybe I'll finish this before I turn 100!!?!)

The gelatin capsule beading began over 10 years ago. (writing that figure just now was very sobering-all of a sudden I feel quite geriatric!) I am definitely a process oriented artist-endeavor first question later. This has made writing artist's statements a little burdensome..it would be so much easier to say "I have created this body of work simply because I am stark raving mad."

I have always loved the impermanence of natural & semi-natural materials...even if it means that a piece may not survive in it's original form...if is survives all. There is something truly amazing to me about the cyclical process of creation and destruction. I am fascinated by the changes that time and the elements have on objects.

Rust...weathering...dissolution.

I love the idea of creating something in collaboration with unpredictable natural forces. I see this most when I work with beeswax & resins...the outcome of a pour (usually onto a stretched canvas) is always a surprise of sorts-fluctuations in temperature, air movement in the room, impurities in the materials etc. So many variables contribute to the finished piece. I realize that the creative environment can be controlled to a certain degree...but I have always welcomed the uncertainty...I love the discovering...the happy accidents that lead to the next exploration. (not the accidents that result in the destruction of good clothing and pans...a lesson I have yet to learn-up there with don't pull a hangnail)

I've been working on a new series of small 5" x 7" whimsical canvases to keep me engaged while I plug away at the two large scale installation projects that are in the works...each canvas gets a coat of beeswax which I burn off slowly with a taper candle-working with the flame & smoke to create a surface texture...sometimes I repeat the process several times; building up layers of soot & wax. I'm hoping to post some collaged pieces soon on Etsy...
The pieces are currently naked and unfinished as I am
working out the the final protective resin/beeswax coating. Who needs to do the housework!??! There is too much fun to be had!