It Can Be a Rock

This new piece is part of my three work contribution to the upcoming show Concertina Interpreted, and is inspired by the poetry of Joseph Bathanti in his published book Concertina. Designed with a grid, this work continues a theme of individual identity since it has 42 similar designs, but all singular in expression. Bathanti's collection in this book are reflections on his time as a VISTA volunteer working in North Carolina prisons, and he is our most recent past North Carolina Poet Laureate.  This work is inspired by the poem Prison AA.  AA meetings are full of anonymous individuals with much in common, however each one brings his own story. My title for this piece is It Can Be a Rock. 

Work and Thoughts

I continue to work on these symmetrical pieces. Since the way my pieces develop is very gradual, with many layers of collage, then paint, then wax and over again; my thoughts wander.  An artist is continually making decisions in the process of making, but also I find myself thinking about what prompted me to work with these shapes - and as I work and think, my intent strengthens and an explanation emerges.  

I wanted to work symmetrically as a start, and find the ideas and uses of the Rorschach ink blots intriguing, so mimicking those shapes was my start. Personal identity has become the central concept of this work.  I'm enjoying thinking too of the BuzzFeed tests - "WHO ARE YOU?".  Something has made those tests a national addiction and they seem to be based on random choices -  such as which picture do you like best? 

Am I making work which reflects the following facts?  I'm southern, female, right-handed, and white.  Maybe.

Symmetry

Everything was melting yesterday after an overnight snowfall.  I'm changing focus a little to continue work for a show at Mica Gallery in Bakersville which opens in  May.  All the pieces are 10 inches square, and I am playing with symmetry for a change.  This body of work is about visual cues which we assimilate into decisions about identity. I will have at least sixteen pieces in this series.