We have witnessed an explosion of new techniques and materials being used in contemporary art. Some materials and techniques simply did not exist a decade ago, and others were largely inaccessible or unknown to artists. We have also witnessed a cross pollination of non-traditional skills and methods, developed in other industries, now being used in art making. These developments have energized the art community and opened up a variety of new opportunities.
Although exciting for art enthusiasts and liberating for the artist, this shift is hard for some to process. The most celebrated contemporary art today rarely utilizes traditional art making techniques and rarely manifests as an oil painting on a stretched canvas, a bronze/stone bust, or a watercolor framed behind glass. The processes, technologies and materials used in art production today are so fresh and diverse that they become a significant factor in understanding the message and meaning of a particular work.
The work shown here utilizes sheet vinyl with an adhesive backing. The material is commonly used for signs, decals and car wraps. Architects and designers utilized this material for renderings, models and other representations before the proliferation of computers and color printers. I was exposed to the material and process in my architecture design courses. The sheets are commonly cut with an X-ACTO blade – a modeling knife with a very sharp edge. The removable blades are numbered based on their shape and intended purpose. I am partial to the number 11.
In fact, I was so proficient with these blades that after seeing my handiwork, I received a lifetime supply of number 11s from the manufacturer. I am currently working through my supply and plan on passing down any unused blades in my will and testament.
What is interesting and important about this process is that it is largely subtractive, rather than additive. You cut and remove material as opposed to a traditional painting process where you continually add material or pigment to a surface. Today, most sign makers use a laser cutter to form various shapes and letters. In my work the cuts are made by hand with relative precision and without ambiguity. I don’t try to mask or hide the inevitable score marks left on the surface beneath. There are no do-overs; once a cut is made you either live with it or start over. You can’t simply cover it up with another layer of paint. Although there are numerous colors available, there are no mixing colors. Similar to collage, you must accept and work with the given palate. The ability to place colors and shapes onto a surface is immediate and satisfying.
Lord God, allow me to surrender my lack of control to the one who brings order in the twinkle of His eye. Any limitation expressed in humankind is an opportunity to wait and watch the artist of artists create anew,, a more full horizon that shows brighter, deeper and wider.
Dave,
Your piece was so refreshing for me to encounter, offering hope to moments of this life.