the dive

the dive
acrylic and charcoal on paper, 24x18", 2015

exhibition: roll it out, ink it up

The Allegany Arts Council is hosting a show Roll It Out, Ink It Up at Saville Gallery in Cumberland (MD). The group show is a continuation of the exhibition Roll It Out!, which was part of the print symposium at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (PAAC) in November. The exhibition showcased the work of demonstrators and speakers at the symposium. The same show is now on in Cumberland with the addition of a few more artists from PAAC. I am really excited to be part of this wonderful exhibition, in which I have three monotypes on display.

I have been working on monotyoes since December, experimenting with both oil-based inks and acrylic paints. For the exhibition, I decided to show the ones made with acrylic paint. As a printmaking medium, acrylic paint is both challenging and satisfying. I like the painterly effect of acrylics, in addition to the texture and vibrant colours. On the other hand, the paint can dry too quickly while working. I plan to try acrylics with a retarder to see what results emerge. For now I am happy with the outcome, and glad that some of these experiments are part of the exhibition in Cumberland.

The opening for Roll It Out, Ink It Up is on Saturday February 6th between 6 and 8pm and is on until February 20th. Below are the details of the exhibition.

the starling paradigm

monotype, 10x8", 2016

an unfolding

monotype, 10x8", 2016

continuum

monotype, 10x8", 2016

nowhere but here

A ruin in the wilderness

the tall grasses bending

a chirp and a rumbling train far away —

I have nowhere to be

but here.

the underbelly

the underbelly
watersoluble graphite on paper, 18x24", 2013

Like a magpie, I collect

unlikely treasures —

the electric tower against the sky

the unpainted building

the abandoned railway station.

silent, empty and wild

On the silent mountain

the snow

embracing the wind.

It's been snowing incessantly since yesterday. Outside, the snow is piling up into interesting shapes and the wind is blowing the powdery snow in every direction. The snow has created a hush, a dampening of sound. This makes me think of snow capped mountains, where there is no one. Only the wind blows, and the snow gives this invisible wind a dimension. I am thinking of the emptiness and wilderness. I am thinking of the vastness that puts one's life into perspective. There will always be (I hope) places like that - silent, empty and wild.