POINTE SERIES
Architecture, in general, has always fascinated me, and I have grown up admiring both influential architects in the Midwest and Italy. However, my paintings hold a special connection to my life in Los Angeles, particularly the Pointe Building where I worked before the pandemic forced its closure. During my breaks, I would sketch and measure the building, but ironically, it was only after the shutdown that I completed a painting of it. Additionally, the building's windows, which once showcased mesmerizing crystalline reflections, were changed during the pandemic, altering its impression.
In these paintings, the façade dominates the canvas, with the sky only visible through its mirrored reflection. The composition consists of three distinct layers: the rigid grid structure of the building, the free and expressive reflections of the sky and clouds, and the unseen but influential human aspect. This third layer, perhaps depicted in mood or the artist's touch, acts as the catalyst for the interplay between the structure and the painterly expressions.
The contrast between the rigid grid and the fluidity of the reflected surfaces is akin to the spontaneity found in jazz improvisation—an underlying structure with room for creative play. The large-scale format of these paintings initially emerged from my involvement in printmaking, with the size of the printmaking paper dictating the canvas's dimensions. Over time, the format evolved into a vertical orientation, mirroring the grandiosity of the architectural structures we often observe from the ground, looking upwards.
FACES SERIES
The faces series embodies a profound sense of stillness, occasionally veering into melancholic depths, reflecting the weight of emotions that linger within the portraits. Some viewers perceive a deliberate intention within the background's vortex of geometrical patterns, mirroring the subjects' emotional landscape.
The illusionistic qualities of the background fascinate me, as I enjoy the artful manipulation that tricks the mind into perceiving lines where none exist. The refracted shapes seem to float on strips of paper, but closer inspection unveils the absence of such lines, revealing the power of illusion. This technique draws inspiration from the graphic artists of the Secession and Ver Sacrum era.
Moreover, I find immense pleasure in juxtaposing three-dimensional elements, such as the faces, against a flat backdrop of geometric shapes. This interplay creates a captivating contrast, engaging the viewer's eye in visual exploration.
PARALLELS
This large scale piece germinated as an inner vision, an idea that underwent a subtle but profound evolution. It commenced akin to the Faces Series, featuring a three dimensional face set against a flat background of parallel lines. Yet, as my contemplation deepened, a new perspective emerged. The face's intricate nuances dissolved, leaving only its silhouette against the backdrop of parallel lines. The progression didn't halt there. A constant inquiry was my guide: "Where does this pathway ultimately lead?" As my thoughts meandered further, a decisive choice was made. The silhouette itself was excised, leaving behind a profound expanse of parallel lines.
In the face of practical constraints, I embarked on a hunt for an appropriate measuring tool, fashioning an improvised ruler from lightweight metal. Armed with a traditional dip pen with metal nib, I embarked on the task at hand. Because of the traditional means to execute the task, what appear as long continuous strokes might consist of several lines due to ink limitations. The medium's demands dictated embracing imperfections and persisting forward.
My chosen palette was deliberately confined to Indigo, Turquoise, Orange, Red, Yellow, and Violet—excluding blue and green. Distinct sections emerged, melding diverse hues into a tapestry: warm and cool regions, each interwoven.
In essence, this artwork is the culmination of a journey that played out within my thoughts—an exploration of abstraction while pushing the boundaries of my chosen tools. It stands as a testament to embracing challenges, finding innovative solutions, and celebrating the beauty within limitations.