Heavy Metal
acrylic on styrofoam sheets
4 panels, each panel 26X44ins
Coming up for the next few posts are a series of Action Abstract Acrylic paintings I did in the summer and fall of 2012.
The
paintings in this series reflect the action and reaction of the body and the
paint. A look at the patterns of the
paint while in motion and the final resting spot. What the body does directly will affect how
the paint will fall. It is that path in
view that I have watched and experimented with. Trailing the paint behind me,
throwing the paint straight at or in an arc above the surface, dripping the
paint directly onto the surface while the tool spins in a pattern above, are
methods I have used to apply the paint. The painting exists from the results of
where the paint falls and by the force in which the paint travels to that
destination. I paint until I can see that the painting no longer needs anymore
paint. How long that takes it up to the journey that the painting and I
travel. That path only has a beginning
to start with, and that beginning is the first sessions on a blank state both
on the painting surface and in my mind. From that point, the journey moves
forward and only ends when I get there, where there is and how I got there.
The
journey is a process that has no restrictions, no goals with the painting to
accomplish or a statement to be made within the painting. My mind is open to
the possibilities that create themselves, during the experience, that may come
suddenly or build to an awareness that THIS needs to happen now. Though the journey
begins without direction, paths will generate and it does become a decision on
which path to follow and which to ignore. A flow begins, a harmony of thought
and movement exists and becomes stronger as the piece develop s. That harmony remains but the path can, and often,
will change. A pattern can be felt, but
it is a pattern of subtle chaos. What I have seen in the painting remains through the layers and
numerous sessions. I can go back and strengthen a particular path or idea or
even cover up or enhance a path I feel made need it. I leave it open to the
viewer to take their own journey with each painting and take a chance on what
their experience may be. When I step
back from a painting and walk my eyes through the paths on the surface and then
set my paint bucket and tool down, I know that the piece is completed.
Music
has been used to help eliminate the intrusions that the outside world that
cause interruptions in the flow of thought and paint from the mind to the
surface. It is also an influence in the
movement of the body during the painting process. It is a companion that
travels with me on the journey. The type of music affects how the body moves,
whether it be slow or fast, smooth or choppy, or steady or static. My music
helps my mind open up to the paths that come about during the journey. Since no
set path is made, there is not one that has to be followed. This helps to
unleash the abstract, the music and the body are in the control, the mind takes
a backseat. I can paint without restrictions both on the surface and in my
head. This allows me the freedom to just paint. It is important to have this
because I can fully let my imagination, thought and ideas roam and follow where
they may lead.
