Inspired by science

 I finished this pair of pieces last night, They are entitled "Prelix Supra" and "Prelix Infra". The pieces are 3" x 5" (8" x 10" framed). The letters represent the complementary amino acids found in the double helix of DNA. In this case, the string of amino acids in each composition are unpaired (although the sequences of each individual composition is complementary to the other). That's from where the first part of the title comes -- "Prelix" (before "helix"). BTW, the small "u" in the composition represents "uracil" which is found in place of thymine in RNA translation of the DNA pairs. The "supra" and "infra" part of the title simply refers to "above" and "below", respectively. That's the arrangement of this pair that I intended (i.e., one above, and one below)

The Making of "The Sacredness of Comfort and Care" -- imspirations, parallel processing, and emergence of a collage composition

Check out my new video on YouTube about my process of making a collage...

https://youtu.be/S_gWqImwO7E?si=iva1czZcpE6RQbby 

detail follow-up

I wanted to follow-up on the last post with an illustration of the perceptual impact of subtle changes in composition. If you focus on the urchin (the spherical element) in the bottom right area of these two images, you will see the subtle shift in the position of the element. The first image shows the urchin encroaching on the golden braid. The second image, has the urchin placed so that it is not overlapping. Of course, overlap is a key cue for depth perception, so it is not surprising that the different placements suggest differences in "depth". I ultimately chose the placement in the second image, as I think it elicits the perception that "looks better" to me (and I hope, to the viewer). The bottom image is the completed collage (with the blue element adjusted to the horizontal).

Iconic

Finished this piece today. The mat dimensions are 8" x 10". I have not settled on a name for it yet; but wanted to post it because I'm excited about it.

 

Mixed feelings

On April 1st, I posted photos (and narrative) of "The Sacredness of Comfort and Care", stating that it was one of my favorite collages I have made. That is probably one of the reasons that I am now experiencing mixed feelings about its sale at the Cooperstown Art Association Gallery. I mean, I'm very happy that someone liked the piece enough to buy it: But perhaps I was not ready to "let it go". I like it too... a lot. I also have been focused on generating high-quality pieces for my upcoming two-person exhibit at The Other Side (Utica, NY), and thought that "The Sacredness..." piece would be an impressive centerpiece for that show. The last time I had a solo show there, I sold 14 pieces. I want to have a strong follow-up to that exhibit. I assume that I could perhaps borrow the piece from the new owner for that exhibit: But I am also cognizant of the fact that having a "NFS" piece means potentially less commission for the gallery (and I like to support galleries, as well). So, I can sincerely say that I am happy for the sale, and I assume that it will bring joy to the new owner. But I do have mixed feelings about it.

Another find; another kind

After finishing d.h.k., I decided to experiment a little with some elements that were laying around the studio. I decided to try some arrangements that are a bit different for me (but still in my "voice"?). These were different enough, that I thought they were worth posting. Not sure if something like these will become a finished composition, but interesting nonetheless. I have also included in this post, a beautiful red cover of a 1937 publication about contract bridge (another example of something I forgot I even had).

d.h.k. -- a new piece

Okay, so here's a piece I created (in record time?) from the classroom botanical poster/map. I'm very excited about the colors! And I had a frame in the studio that I think matches the color scheme well. The piece is 11" x 14"; but with the frame included, it's a bit larger than what I usually do (and I'm happy about it). I entitled it, "d.h.k. -- Unsung Hero of the Modern Botanical Era". BUT, the letters aren't meant to be anyone's initials -- they are just labels for the cells. And the female sculptural element is unrelated to "the modern botanical era" (whatever that means). So the title is whimsical, and invites the viewer to try to figure out who d.h.k. is. So in my mind, the title becomes an integral component of the collage.