Three, Two, One, hand dyed wool on linen; 3 pieces: 4 1/2 x 9, 7 1/4 x 9, 11 x 9 inches.I've had an idea for a wall-to-floor piece for a long time, and have finally executed it, a very minimal design; I did another piece last year that touches the floor (see below), but never one that utilizes it. I remember years ago seeing a painting that was in two parts, one on the wall meeting one on the floor. I thought it might have been an Ellsworth Kelly, but I've never been able to find an image like that. My big decision with this piece was what colors to use, and there were many choices. I began by thinking of a gradual shift of color from top to bottom, using intense bright color; then I contemplated three different yet related colors, also saturated, or three primaries. In the end I realized that I wanted to use subtle, grayed color that wouldn't pop off the wall and floor, but rest inconspicuously there.
These are the two dye colors I used to mix my final colors. I added a little of the yellow to the blue and blue to the yellow, then mixed a middle tone between the two. I was surprised at the colors that resulted, a lot grayer than I'd expected, but I was happy with them.
To make the lines, which I also wanted to be subtle, I cut the tops of the loops.
Here is the piece installed in my studio alongside some drawings, the "hooked rug" creeping back to its origins as floor covering. Do you think my choice of subdued color was the correct one?
Up Down, 2010, hand dyed wool on linen; 4 pieces: 4 x 4, 4 x 10, 4 x 15, 4 x 14 inches.This is the other floor piece that I did last year, with elements going up and down, needing the floor as an anchor, a spot of stability and repose.
A question: was your decision about the colors you used related in any way to the color of your floor and wall where it was to be installed, or were you mainly focused on the piece itself?
ReplyDeleteMona, that's an interesting question. I only thought of the piece itself, while knowing it would be installed on a wall in the studio for now. I wanted it to be gray and subtle, though I know that is less immediately appealing.
ReplyDelete'subdued' is such a relative assessment. is it really greys? i thought it was a deep rich subtle blue and green conversation. if your subdued studio colors are a low-key potluck, then the wall-floor piece is the conversation you want to join. or sit on and read.
ReplyDeletesg
thanks so much, sg. When I said grays, I meant grayed color, hence the subtle blues and greens. I'm really glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting rarified discussion of color. I would just add that your color choices work here. Such a difference then a year ago...think proportion such a vital part of your rhythm and integration with the energy of the floor.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you think my color choices work, Julie. When you mention proportion, I remember something I forgot to discuss, which is that I was a little uncertain as to how long to make the floor piece; I had it originally at 11 inches, then thought it would be better at 10, but when I made a mockup of the piece, I saw that it needed the extra length to balance the two upper wall pieces. And I think I was correct in that.
ReplyDeleteit feels like someone is going to sit down here,,,, but i like divisioning of the rectangles. it feels like a question since it resides on both floor and wall.
ReplyDeleterappel, I hadn't thought of the chair aspect, but now that I look at the first photo again, I can see how you think that. I like that it feels like a question.
ReplyDeleteThe colors are perfect for the location of the piece with its floor/wall movement. I find them rich and subtle, rather than subdued, and hard to pinpoint with words.
ReplyDelete