3. Burnt

(8/11/22) 

I walked into the studio on this day with the intention of burning the latex and adhesives I had arranged on my painted board. I found that the latex I placed out had changed colour slightly and dried out more, which I’ll aid the burning of the material so there are no wet areas to burn out first. (Picture before burning below) 

After inspecting the materials on the board I gathered my bag of tricks I needed to go outside and begin to burn. I set meself up out back of one of the college buildings with a bucket of water to hand just in case the fire got out of control. I used spray adhesive as fuel for the fire which gave some burning power, but also the adhesive contributed a very interesting texture when it burned. (Below is an image of the burning in progress) 

As I burned I added wax and oil crayons and oil paints to add subtle colours to the piece. 

When I got as much of the latex burned as I felt appropriate, I began to add more of the pillow stuffing I had been using. This was to make the mass more substantial and sculpt a shape. The shape ended up resembling a skull or face which I find very compelling. Although I wish I had had the foresight to make the mass bigger to fit the scale of the board, but upon reflection I feel the space surrounding the burnt mass draws a the eye into the focal point of the burning. 

(Images below shows completed burning for the day) 

There are two artists I have looked at that somewhat inform this painting incorporating burnt elements. One is David Lynch, as I have previously mentioned, and another artist named Alberto Burri. Lynches work has inspired me to create these abstract dismembered depictions that feel as it they are living in some sense. This achieved through materials looking sticky, melted with underlying flesh tones, and in a form that resembles something close to a form we would recognise as close to human or animal. (pictures attached below)

Alberto Burri has inspired me in my process by his abstract works that implement the process of burning to create a highly textured, melted and destroyed effect to his art work. The pieces of his that I have looked at present a cave like quality, where parts are melted and possibly stretched in such a way that forms graduating beams that appear to hold up and support these burnt openings in the plastic surface. These beams present in a an organic, yet designed structural manner that add depth to the pieces. These works by Burri attract me due to its aftermath presentation. There is a calm that presents itself in the pieces after a destructive event. Resulting in these artworks that present fragility of being and transformation. (Pictures below)

 

On this day I also added to the other piece I had started textural work on. I scraped off some oil paint I began applying as I felt it did not fit the direction of the piece, because the colour appeared too muddy. I began to lightly brush over the whole painting with white oil paint to give a more solid and completing look to the piece so there would not be any wood showing. I felt this progressed the painting a step or two as it feels like another layer of depth has been added. I am still fairly unsure of the meaning or direction of this piece, but I am chipping away at it like a block of marble to reveal its hidden outcome. I have a few ideas and meanings for this one rattling around that need to be fleshed out and applied appropriately, because at present the ideas are very abstract and unformed.  (Image below shows updated piece) 

I am pleased with the overall progress I have made with both of these pieces. Mostly the burnt piece because it really commuunicates the vision I have in my head and conveys the emotion I want it to while demanding attention. I am looking forward to developing these pieces more and seeing where else I can take them and what else I can communicate though them. 

More Later 

Lots Of Love 

John Hancock x