Bovinity: Early Studies

Seems to me that subject matter may be the least important consideration when focusing on learning the techniques of visual media. As a student I was more concerned with knowing correct processes to better ignore them. Although I did become adapt at painting, it was the printing field which drew my interest. I learned and was taught serigraphy, intaglio and lithography.

1975 - 1982

In addition to the basics of drawing and composition I subjected myself to large doses of Art & World History to supplement my appreciation and total disregard for tradition. However clearly understanding archival work flow and proper painting proceedures were my highest priority when creating with longevity in mind.

For the most part oil paint is used for all images on canvas. Watercolors were used with the paper medium. The inks varied for the prints but were solvent based. (There were no green choices yet although acrylics were becoming widely accepted as a substitute for oil-based pigments.)

 

Using the realism of the cow profile patterns I was free to experiment with contextual abstraction. Exploring the dynamism of conceptual relativity I painted myself into my works as the observer, literally from my point of view, my existence. Or perhaps rather the observed observer observing the observation according to the Heisenburg Uncertainty Principle. Anyway their tranquil nature and quiet disposition make cows good company although dairy ownership has a downside.

 

Holy Cow

By nature, I'm curious about a viewer's reaction and perceptual response to my work. I dont use it as a guide or template for creating new work but I believe its good to know when offense is received while none was intended. Social and political satire is comedy hitting the mark and exploding with relevancy. Poking fun of organized religion is a clown's sacred duty and one of the few traditions I'm in favor of keeping. I'm just trying to say even a broken clock is right twice a day..