Painting on multiple physical layers of 1/8” clear acrylic glass has opened a world of possibilities and approaches to me creatively. In this newly completed abstract painting, the first in what will be a limited edition series, I have taken a technique from mid-twentieth century artists like Janet Sobel and Jackson Pollock, creating something altogether new inspired from an era of abstract expressionism.
What makes this work ‘new’ is the addition and use of various sizes of acrylic glass layered on top of what once was a landscape painting in oil on canvas of aspen trees from Fish Lake National Forest, where Pando lives (another metaphor in my larger body of work for another day). A continuation of my layered landscape paintings in acrylic, this drip painting is a metaphor for how we are losing site of trees and their importance in sustaining life for all. Each layer of acrylic glass on top of the other covers up our visual perception of what once was a forest of trembling giants.
In this painting you will see my own personal style repurposed, beginning with a landscape painting from 10 years of painting oil on canvas, layering multiple layers of acrylic glass on top; a new approach I have been using for the past four years, incorporating drip painting and line tracing to help identify physical depth and space, reimagining a unique abstract composition. Several processes meld into one in this approach to abstract painting.
I hope you enjoy,
JJ
