When life gives you lemons, draw them, 11 x 14 inches dry pastels, graphite on paper

"When life gives you lemons, draw them." (Nikki)

"Color! What a deep and mysterious language." (Paul Gauguin)

Archive for May, 2016

Progress on the Shiva and Moche Earplug Replica Chairs

Tuesday, May 24th, 2016


 

Shiva as Nataraj chair work in progress detail

Shiva as Nataraj chair work in progress detail Shiva as Nataraj chair, sanding again to refine and repaint Shiva as Nataraj chair work in progress detail Shiva as Nataraj chair, 1st varnish then using markers to outline detail

The extra time working on each the Shiva, Lord of the Dance and Moche Earplug replica chairs means 1) increasing familiarity with the authentic originals, and 2) layers of color and contrast add patchy timeworn impressions which might not have otherwise occurred.
The Shiva statue design is so complex, in retrospect it might have been enough to paint it on a flat surface, like the Mayan Bowl replica chair. Certainly it would have been easier and might be finished by now, but in artwork, I am not always necessarily seeking the easiest way through. Ease is usually the result of something already learned. The point is to discover how to do something, learn how to resolve issues that are presented and/or self-imposed, and the energy is driven by those challenges.
Moche Muscovy Duck Earplug Chair work in progress

Moche culture Muscovy Duck Earplug Chair work in progress Moche Muscovy Duck Earplug Chair back, work in progress Moche culture Muscovy Duck Earplug Chair work in progress Moche culture Muscovy Duck Earplug Chair work in progress

While staying true to the original concepts, I also applied artistic licence since the chairs are unique interpretations in their own right, so some of the designs are improvised slightly, like the ring of fire around Shiva, and the faux turquoise inlay design on the back of the Moche Muscovy Duck chair.
Some issues I’ve encountered: The water-based metallic gold paint reflects off every bump, dries and clumps quickly, and does not spread evenly compared to other acrylics colors even with additives, and the effects of build-up require extra sanding to keep the surface smooth.  The overall sculpted  effects of carving didn’t seem to make a difference aesthetically so I finally abandoned the idea last week. A lot has been filled in, but some carving is left to keep the hand-worked appeal.