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WORK JUST COMPLETED- 2011.
PHOTOMANIPULATION remains the order of the day, following the trail that I began in the 70’s. Harlan Hambright, my longtime friend and fellow creator, then adds just the right amount of visual edge to the work so that I no longer need to rely on transillumination. What a collaboration!
Several elements have changed since my XRAY-based images of the past decade: Firstly, no light source needed. In addition, my subject matter has softened coincident with recovery from Linda’s death. As a result, I am now focused more upon nature than upon the darker side of mankind. Trees, in particular, are consuming my efforts, especially the frequent overlap in form between trees and man. In addition, more than ever I am using my own photographs, eschewing the horrors of everyday life.
As before, I am using barium to manipulate my photographs which gives me just the right consistency for painting. Except for one, “Jim’s old Boot” which manipulated itself without my help by layering itself under water with oyster shells. Nature at work, pure and simple.
I am continuing to use overpainting with barium to alter my photographs because its consistency is so sculptural, and because it takes the pencil line so well. Usually, the end result is printed on either paper or highly reflective aluminum. No light box intended!
Printing my treescapes on cotton voile has become a new twist on this work, inspired by NYC arts consultant, Nancy Portnoy, in which I have created 4x6 foot hanging images, also useful as bedcovers, sarongs or wraps. As in the other printed works, Harlan and I labor together to adjust just the right intersection between form and color. A previously little-known designer in the Plains might even get a dress or two ready for a Thanksgiving surprise!
One group of images deserves special mention: Barium-manipulated postage stamp sheets. See Ronald Reagan, Mother Theresa, Elvis and The Postal doggie in a new light! Thanks to Harlan’s magic, most are Decolorized then manipulated with barium and pencil and printed either on paper or aluminum. Patination of these oversized images with oil colors adds just the right “vintage” toning.
The images below are soon to be exhibited in Brunswick GA and Hobe Sound, FL.
