The Series Learning Process

Bokusho-Kin, 24x48, 2006

I like that I'm really focused on doing just one thing right now. Granted a request for more and bigger landscapes entered the picture, but that will have to wait. I've had times when I focused on landscapes and maybe created a signature style of sorts, but I sure didn't feel about them the way I feel about the bokushos. I have a number of works in process, some have been labeled 'finished' several times but as I explore other ways to apply the paper/marks with assorted gels and mediums, I must go back and improve' the previous works. And it goes round and round...

(enlarge this partial image to see surface details)

In this piece, kin means quilt in Japanese, the pieces are layered, reversed large squares first, smaller squares on top after plain paper was used as a glaze overall. Lots of faint color glazing and ruled as well as gestural lines applied. The first to define, the second to tie down the small squares which were too distinct without some interference.

I'm finding I prefer using old paintings to raw canvas to begin the applications. The raw canvas is way too pure in both texture and color. I find I can't turn my back on years of textural applications, especially when it adds surprising pentimento in, often, just the right place. I have to go with it. One of the early hopes would be that I could short-cut some of the prep work that has gone into my paintings for years, but it's too much a part of what I do... the work looks cheap and unfinished without it.

I'm working on updating my website to include more recent work with a separate page for the bokushos (and one for the landscapes as well.) Updating web pages isn't nearly as much fun as blogging. On another note, I've made several attempts at reordering the original rice paper I used in France (it's magic!) but they only take charge cards via PayPal. Well, when PP was having all that hacking trouble and I was getting two or three requests a week from bogus companies claiming to be PP, I just began ignoring them. Well... I guess one or two of the requests were legitimate and now they won't let me in since I didn't update, or some such. They can jump in a lake (had to think a minute to clean that up) I sent a check snail mail. Man, that paper better still be magic! I told the Asian propriator about my PP problems. I don't like to be told my plastic is no good at that store! My plastic is GOOD!

My visiting cousin and I will be tripping down to Panama City Beach tomorrow (not my favorite city) to pay a call on an uncle who really is a favorite. It might have been his sailor suit I fell in love with at age 4, but whatever, it's been lasting. See ya on the other side...