Purple/Green Ground, hand dyed wool on linen, 11 x 10 inches.I've been thinking lately about some interesting abstract paintings in which there is no precedence of "figure" over "ground"; each color-shape has equal weight in the composition. So I thought I'd do a series of works based on this idea, trying to design a surface on which no particular shape seems more important than another. The two colors would also have to be balanced in intensity so that there's no illusion of depth. I decided to use the same dye color––turquoise––as the base for the violet and the green to help in that task.
I also outlined each shape by hooking around it to give an illusion of one shape bumping up against another. I usually outline just one shape, the primary one. To enhance the flatness, I used straight line hooking, horizontal and vertical, rather than follow the form. I hope that your eye bounces back and forth from the green curve pushing in from the right to the purple chevron, from there to the green triangles, each pushing out and back, demanding attention and then receding.
Here are 4 thumbnail sketches for the upcoming series. Today I dyed the wool for the orange and pink design of arch and semicircle. I'm enjoying the challenge I've set for myself.
This is fascinating Altoon. When I look at the work you've been posting (your own and others) I feel as if a door opens and fresh, cool air blows in. I'm taken back 30 some odd years to my first introduction to Josef Albers and his color studies. Color was raw, fresh and and compelling--your posts bring back that sense of discovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hannah, for such a lovely comment, which makes me feel what I'm doing here is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteto my eye this piece feels successful and satisfying - it stays where it is, as it is, it holds still but it's not static. the horizontal and vertical 'brushstrokes' keep it in line, the colors balance it. ah, simplicity wins every time (almost.)
ReplyDeleterappel, I'm so glad it works for you. Ah, simplicity, which is never so simple.
ReplyDeleteVery compelling to read about your process both conceptual and technical. Interesting to learn about same base color dye. The effect here reminds me of the great Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. How he used equal (but different textures/colors/heights etc) volumes to create bold lines. This results in a non-traditional rhythm as you are describing. Can't wait to see the rest, particularily as I love the combo of pink/orange.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased you like reading about my process, Julie. I've always been of the making-art-in-a-conscious-way school of thought, rather than the intuitive one, though of course that comes in too. I looked up Burle Marx, but found that I couldn't get a clear idea from the photos online. It sounds very interesting, though. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteRe: a new textile/purple/green. I like what you did technically with the dye bath (using turquoise as the base color for a sense of unity). I also like what you did with the wool after that. Curious about the wool: is it felted + then cut into flat lengths? I've hooked one rug in art school + I remember using a hooking instrument + a canvas "grid" to hook into. I would most appreciate a little clarity. I've been a surface designer for over 30 years..mostly with silk fiber. Dyeing, screening, foiling + waxing the surface. Currently My focus is wall art in mixed-media. The way you cross-over from "fiber to painting is fascinating for me. Thank You.
ReplyDeletehi Suzanne. I use traditional rug hooking techniques. To set the dyed wool, it is boiled for 15 minutes or so, so the weave tightens and it becomes lightly felted. I use a cloth slitting machine to slice the wool into ribbons, which is then hooked into a linen canvas. If you look at the search label "technique: rug hooking" and go to the "older posts" at the bottom of the page, you'll see some photos of process.
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