I was interested in experimenting with contrast and similarities, using collected elements that originate from trees: bark from sycamore trees and mulch. They had the same origin, but the first had naturally fallen from the tree, while the others were processed by humans. The first were large with rounded organic shapes, the others were small, with sharp corners and straight edges.
I experimented with contouring them, a cluster of each kind in different areas of the paper. In order to emphasize the shapes, I filled in the negative space between them, adding more charcoal along the edges, and rubbing it with my fingers. The more I drew, the more they took on a certain movement of their own, as if drifting in a certain direction. As the composition grew, the two opposing areas started to interact with each other, the larger shapes having to find their way around the cluster of smaller ones, which didn’t want to move.
Just like what's happening in the natural world, where humans are taking hold, forcing nature to find its way around them.
Playing with the large, rounded, organic shapes of bark, naturally fallen from sycamore trees.
Mulch also comes from trees, but is processed by humans. The shapes are much smaller, and have straighter and sharper edges.
The shapes took on a flow by themselves. The bigger ones "bumping" into the cluster of smaller ones, and having to find their way around them.
Just like what's happening in the natural world, where humans are taking hold, forcing nature to find its way around them.
A Group Thing Exhibition
Thomas Young Gallery, Boston, MA. November 5, 2016 – Januari 14, 2017.