Category: Clowns

A Proof for Jim

As I run  proofs of a new plate I have just finished cutting, I am reminded of the man who taught me all I know ( or remember) about printmaking, Jim Machacek, who recently retired from teaching printmaking at San Diego community colleges for thirty years. I find myself fastidiously looking for errant marks, unnecessary details and the quality of the inking. I can hear him griping out loud to the class “TOO much ink!”- too much ink makes a muddy print and was the bane of his teaching career apparently. But as I run my fifth proof, nearing the end of the editing (I think), I’m deeply grateful for the rigor Jim instilled in me.

This proof, for a new print The Proposition is for Jim’s approval.

IMG_7393

 The Proposition

 2015

relief print on paper

10 by 14 inhes

This has been a tricky composition for me, layering the figures, adding shadows in two colors but I am going in the direction I had  hoped for. I initially thought of employing a separate plate for the shadows but after looking at German Expressionist prints I was inspired to more fully utilize the drama of black and white. I may still make separate color plates for contrast color but I’m pleased with this print. I’m glad I have Jim in the back of my mind guiding my cuts.

Thanks Jim.

IMG_7386My teacher and friend Jim Machacek taken at LACMA this week, in front of Noah Purifoy’s The Spaceman. I’m happy Jim drove up from San Diego, battling insufferable traffic, to visit me; I’m hoping to see him soon once again on his turf.

Temptation of St. Anthony of the Desert

temptaion of st anthony of teh desert

Temptation of St.Anthony of the Desert

 2015

acrylic on Yupo paper

11 by 14″

This is a new painting I finished up a few moments ago, given this is the last week of school I find myself only able to focus upon small works on paper. Painting quickly with water based paints between writing assignments. This painting is in part inspired by what I call “cut-away” rooms that are depicted in early Renaissance paintings,such as this one. I find them fascinating and will continue exploring the doll-house format.

cutaway room rouen 1444-45

(unidentified,ca.1445)

Well back to editing.

Lg

Yorick

I’ve mentioned I’m taking an English composition course which I am enjoying a great deal. Revisiting old “friends” such as Oedipus, but meeting new as well. I’ve never read Hamlet before, I’m familiar enough with the play, but I never sat down and actually read it. Good grief what a fantastic bit of work. I’m still spinning from it, terrible tragedy and yet zingers worthy of Monty Python. I’m going to need to re-read it just to feel more immersed in the drama.

This little print (quite small, the plate is only 4 by 6 inches) of Yorick was inspired by my enthusiasm . 

IMG_5734

Yorick

2014

relief print on paper

plate size, 4 by 6 inches

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? “(Hamlet, V.i)

Until next time, be well,

Lg

Oedipus Rex

I’m taking an English Composition course, I’m hoping to transfer to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and I want to get the academic work out of the way. I gripe about CA but its junior colleges are wonderful and affordable. My last assignment was to write an essay on Sophocles’ play Oedipus the King; what a treat, if one can delight in such abject misery. I enjoy writing and re-reading the play brings me tremendous pleasure. At the end of the day, after researching  source material (the psychoanalyst W.R. Bion, the mythologist  Robert Graves) just  being steeped in the narrative; after such a day of writing and thinking it felt good to just make.

This little watercolor of  the young king beseeching the Delphic Oracle for insight is the result. 

IMG_5727Oedipus Rex

2014

watercolor on paper

5.5 by 8.5 inches

From Grave’s The Greek Myths 2:

“…Oedipus went to ask the Delphic Oracle what future lay in store for him. ‘Away from the shrine, wretch!’ the Pythoness cried in disgust. ‘You will kill your father and marry your mother!’ (105).

With that cheery thought may your day be bright.

Be well, Lg

Nincompoopery

I’ve just finished a silly little painting and from the looks of it I have been listening to Kurt Weill to often.

I started this painting several years ago, then I  moved, it was stashed  away unfinished only to be rediscovered a few weeks ago. I decided to give it a second chance. Initially I was inspired to dash off a quick painting to depict the frank annoyance I had felt at an opening I had attended. If there  ever  was an Emperor-hasn’t- any-clothes moment , that opening was it. Sycophants galore gushing over ridiculousness- a  filthy mattress suspended from the ceiling strewn with red lights. Subtle as a train wreck but not as engaging. This painting was my response to such nincompoopery and as nincompoopery is alive and well still fun to paint .

IMG_4845

Nincompoopery

2014

oil on canvas board 20 by 24 inches

Namaste

 

Mirth…or just keeping your head above water.

 I submitted a few pieces to a juried exhibition devoted to work on paper, my Jumping Tlaloc from the last posting and this oil painting which I have titled Mirth.

IMG_4600

Mirth…or just keeping your head above water

oil on cardboard;reclaimed frame with painted decoration

35 by 22 inches

2014

The theme of the exhibition ( I hate themes frankly) is Celebration. Although I have a lot to be happy about my work doesn’t always reflect that fact; it is often dark and moody, certainly bizarre at times. I scrambled to come up with something suitably celebratory. My Tlaloc I find amusing, he jumps to attention and makes me laugh-that seems a reason to celebrate.

But Mirth is more personal, in fact I dedicate it as a psychological portrait of my first partner Douglas who couldn’t keep his own head above water. I see Douglas in this clown’s eyes and I’m saddened.

As someone who has wrestled with depression and self-doubt my entire life, my attraction to Douglas and his dark ways makes a great deal of sense. But when Douglas finally succumbed by his own hand, I became more determined not to give in. As anyone who works through these issues  knows,it is difficult. Douglas’s choice has a romantic appeal at times, but then its final. Really final.

There are days I am just stunned Douglas is no longer here, although the romantic love for one another faded, there are days I would love to share a passage from a book I might be reading or a particularly delightful treasure I find in the trash . One such treasure is the rickety frame “his” portrait is framed in. I was delighted to find it on the street soon after moving back to LA-I took it as a good sign. To further enhance its  awful teal ridiculousness I painted a little smiling clown-demon.

Douglas would have loved it.

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detail

My life now, even with dark days is amazing. David , my spouse (I cannot yet say husband-too much baggage I suppose) is incredible. We have our rows and differences, but his tender empathy and good cheer stuns the hell out of me consistently. So often I feel engulfed and he  floats by graceful as a buoy and reminds me of another brighter perspective.

For that I celebrate.

Take care, be well,

Lg