I am currently working on a number of small and large paintings for upcoming exhibitions and private commissions. I'm pretty excited about a small work that I will post here sometime in February. It incorporates most all of my interests in merging traditional technique with the highly experimental, sculptural elements with painting and power with delicacy.
Below: Laying the groundwork for a small project. Mixed process in which I establish a general plan with papers, tapes and twine, and then 'fire' it. In this way, I both compose and improvise, responding to what remains of my plans. With this as a foundation, I will excavate and build over the ruins.
Enderlin, 2011-12 Oil, gunpowder and paper on three canvases, ~6'x3'. Commission for Todd Lunneborg of TL Guitars, Andover, MN.
Based loosely on the river beds, town and farms of Enderlin, ND as relayed to me by Todd Lunneborg, the vantage point is both from high above and from profile. Some things seem distant and others, very, very close. Some are familiar while others are unrecognizable. Because of this, the painting may be ‘read’ in a number of ways. In fact, only after I had completed the painting did I notice how the flaring, yellow-pedaled arch seem like a large hill, and later still, wings…
