Back in the Studio!

It’s been a while since I’ve written, so let me catch you up. I have always loved working on large surfaces because it feels like freedom — reminds me of the freedom I had when painting walls back in the day. I’m using my whole body when creating large abstractions; letting go!

Painted 2010

Small Originals

Instead of creating larger paintings, I’ve been doing the opposite — to my surprise I’ve been pulling them apart. It seems that every time I paint or collage a large painting, there are section(s) that I look at in the painting, and think, that section could stand on its own. I’ve noticed it, but I’ve never focused on it. This month I have been dismantling my larger works and reassembling the fragments into small original pieces. And you know what, they feel more powerful this way — smaller pieces with louder voices.

Small originals

Colorful Remnants

My studio is full of colorful remnants, cut paper, half figures and painted scraps. Is it waiting to be turned into something else? Yes! and I have been reworking these into a series. I was told a series is 5–10, but I’m currently somewhere around 35 pieces, and I just keep going.

Remnants on a tabletop

Sewing

Another thing that I have returned to is sewing. It’s back in my work because I have missed it. Sewing feels like I am creating lines and it slows me down. Pieces are held together with thread. A metaphor? We are all just hanging on by a thread.

Working on this series has been cathartic. As the new year approaches, I’m choosing what to keep and what to let go of. And what should be given new life …

Sewing machine with remnants

If you are an artist, what materials do you bring into your work?

What materials find their way into your work?

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