Unconventional Portraits of Maverick Musicians
These Unconventional Portraits are interpreted from a handful of press photographs from various angles.
Mixed Media materials used are; wood, wire, muslin, acrylic paint, paper, hemp & miscellaneous found materials.
The process starts with a wooden frame and then builds upon by layering, shifting and manipulating muslin, found objects, various materials, and acrylic paint until it finally becomes something that I am comfortable with. It is this process of movement, construction and the joining of surfaces that builds the image. Not carved, not poured, molded or pressed but layered while painting.
My objective is to address portrait painting through improvisation in the process and simultaneously capture a likeness of these iconic artists. I'm not so concerned with the profile which I think can add abstract interest. Sometimes there is bas-relief happening but that is not my first intention, I simply want the richness of depth in the face. The adjoining flat and built-out surface tensions are devoid of the formal aspects of a portrait or sculpture, allowing for some improvising which often results in nonconformity. This deviation from the rules of perfection allows for what I feel brings spontaneity to the overall composition.