October 14, 2013

A New Boxed Paintings: "Black and White"


Black and White, egg tempera on calfskin parchment, box size 3 x 5 1/8 x 7/8 in.


A couple of months ago I had an idea for a new series of works: a box of tiny paintings made on square scraps from my parchment panel-making process. The first box, which you can see here, was brightly colored in red, yellow, and blue, so I thought I'd go more minimal with the next piece, using only black and white; I've continued with simple geometric compositions. Because the parchment is a warm yellowish color, the white stands out on it.


Black and White, top and inside of box


My idea for the inside of the box came first, then I decided on a cover that would work with it. The tiny paintings inside the box are improvisational, but the larger paintings on the cover and inside take a little more forethought; not enough to do sketches beforehand, but enough that I actually use a ruler and pencil to mark off shapes. 


Black and White, paintings side 1; each painting ca. 1 1/4 in. square


Black and White, paintings side 2


Each painting is two sided....




....and I take the translucency of the parchment into account when painting, so each side converses with the other.


Black and White, filled box with red circle


When I had finished the box and was looking at the paintings inside, I felt that something was missing: it needed a touch of red. So I cut a small circle and painted it red on both sides, and now it adds a little surprise, like the baby inside a Mardi Gras King cake.


8 comments:

  1. The box of tiny paintings is thrilling. Once again I'm totally drawn to a container for soul.

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  2. The alchemy of art, turning dross into gold. Brava!

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  3. A marvel! Interesting how the white diamond on top left has more weight than the black. I like how this feels vital.

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    1. I'm so glad you noticed that weight issue, Julie. I'd originally planned to have the white triangle on the top of the box on the right, but it was too heavy so I turned it around. It surprised me.

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  4. I love this project Altoon! -- from the attention you gave to the design and construction of the box, to the relative informality of the individual squares, and that terrific red dot inside the box. I always find your inventiveness inspiring!

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    1. Thanks very much, Tamar; it's been a lot of fun doing these.

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