I have been thinking about how ideas and work mutate and evolves, especially in relation to the shaped landscapes I have been making/painting. This one all started with the above project presentation, for a project that fizzled and is now on hold. A possible client purchased a large 10’+ seascape painting of what was thought to be a harbor DownEast- Very kitschy in nature, but impressive enough and they offered me to run with ideas for how to pull the piece together.
The original painting and the frame this possible client just hated!
Inspired by Acadia and Schoodic I thought of a shaped and colorful frame that had a jewel like quality, maybe even sculptural - dimensional. I was thinking of the pink granites and rock formations that are quintessential to the region and ran with it. . . . .. It was rejected and I was disappointed to say the least, but life goes on.
Pink!
Schoodic Peninsula- Maine.
Pulling a palette - A bit jazzed up.
After the disappointment ended I could not shake the idea and started a few small 6” studies on small painting panels that I could cut a fair amount of to create form and dimension. Now I was creating a “frame” as well as the interior and this allowed for a whole range of possibilities and story telling options. I am still fascinated about the Schoodic theme but the rocks and moss and water and land of being in the woods also intrigued me and continued to open opportunities to really think about landscape- Forcing the gaze through the shape of the panel and play of light, dark, color. I was, I AM, hooked!
One of the first small studies after the frame project was cancelled. Schoodic -
Three variations on a theme now with stands.
Having a new format made me want to rethink how the species hung. I hung the first few on the wall and that was fine, but it did not accentuate their dimensionally that I love so a brainstorming session with my 11 year old, and future marketing guru, case upon the clear acrylic stand as an option. Technically these are donut stands but they serve their purpose well with the addition of adhesive backed velcro to mount them.
So I decided this would be part I as things have evolved even further so check back for the next iteration.