MAKING MARKS
New Directions
Over the next several weeks I will be exploring mark making in order to create a new lexicon for my art practice. My intention is to develop a new new series from this exploration..
Physical movement and large gestural strokes
Taping a sponge brush to a long handle and working outside with the paper on the ground, I dipped the brush into India Ink, employing the gesture of my body to create marks. I wasn't thinking but just allowing to let what would happen lead me on to the next set of marks and brush strokes. Usually I would use a synthetic brush for this but trying to get out of my comfort zone I forced myself to use a sponge brush, something I would not choose for his type of challenge.
22" x 30 " India ink on paper
48" x 60" India Ink on paper
Direct Marking using Hands and Tools
In this piece. while standing I poured powdered charcoal on my paper, using my fingers and sometimes a chamois I rubbed the powder in here and there. Using an eraser I removed areas creating white lines and shapes. I created marks on top using a variety of charcoal sticks. Inspired by the plants in my garden, I quickly drew gestures of plant forms. I used the movement of my whole body not just my wrist. I worked quickly - not over thinking this exercise.
22" x 30" Charcoal on paper
Finger Printing - direct marking using my pointer finger
Using only my pointer finger I created all the marks below.. My goal was to see what I could do with just one finger tip. I varied pressure, position, angle…side, top, tip, whole pad…etc. very cool.
14" x 30" India Ink and pointer finger on paper
VIDEO - Wendy Welch, June Higgins Sarah Cowan and Jill Ehlert at Slide Room Gallery
Efren Quiroz of Exhibit-V shot this video on opening night of "Drawing Beneath the Surface"
Featured in the video: Wendy Welch opening the show. Interviews with the three artists, Sara Cowan, June Higgins and Jill Ehlert. My segment starts at 13:45
Click on image below to start the video
"Catalyst" 22" X 30"
Detail of Catalyst
Drawing Beneath the Surface
Upcoming Art Exhibit
"Drawing Beneath the Surface"
Slide Room Gallery
January 24 - March 3, 2014
Opening - Friday January 24, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Jill Ehlert, Sarah Cowan and June Higgins
Curated by Wendy Welch
This exhibition highlights the way drawing moves from drawing marks to painterly strokes and sculptural forms. These three artists work in the realm between the abstract and the representational and use line as a form of expressive gesture and a vehicle for meaning.