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PART 2 - XplOrdinary Gardens - Proposal Work in Progress
Interesting in seeing the PROGRESSION of
XplOrdinary Garden?
This video is one iteration of an ART INSTALLATION that follows
the narrative of the discovery of an imaginary ancient civilization that was once revered, lost, and rediscovered. The story of an excavation through
the perspective of Prof. G. Mack - the excavator .
This video proposes one of many different ways this project can branch -
at the time of this writing, I am looking into exhibition and other
adaptations of XplOrdinary.
Artist process Video
“Wood Cut Wall Art
WATCH THE VIDEO
Artist Process for making a woodcut piece.
Making woodcut art sculptures is a meticulous process that involves many steps to turn a sketch into the final wall piece.
First, a sketch is made, it can be a deliberate design or a random drawing that can be modified later. Like in the case of the Wildflower, this was just a little drawing that I thought would look good on a larger scale.
The design is transferred onto the MDF and the dimensions are based on the golden ratio.
When I started making the wood artwork originally it was for economic reasons. Framing paintings can be very costly - so this was a way I could “cut out the frame” and hang them cleanly and directly on the wall.
I still call these “wood” but I make them out of MDF (a wood product) now. MDF is more sustainable and makes cleaner cuts.
I spent a lot of time figuring out how to hang all the woodcut art with an easy universal system.
It only takes one or two screws! #mountmate #taxidermyhangers
Additionally, they float off the wall, so it creates a
nice shadow effect.
I use a jigsaw to cut out the pieces and then there is quite a bit of sanding. I approached the sides and insides by painting or by a variety of very meticulous collage techniques.
The wood-cut artwork can be hung alone, or in groupings with other art to create scenarios.
Shown at the end of the video is the Wildflower featured in a little video. I like making this additional animation version as part of my process these days.
Glass, Glass, Blockheadz Glass Studio!
An interesting collaboration has recently emerged -
Glass Artist Steve Elicker and Visual Artist Margie Darrow bring together their unique blend of
talents and expertise.
The alliance aims to push the boundaries of their individual artistic expression, weaving together their various disciplines with new designs and techniques.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Mold, Cast and Samples
A picture is worth a 1000 words.
Creating the “Goat Tree” was a creative problem solving process to find the best techniques for an outdoor wood sculpture
A little bit about the Goat Tree Video and Process
The Argan tree, a plant found in southwestern Morocco, inspired the sculpture. Farmers use goats to climb the trees and harvest the nuts for producing Argan oil.
The Goat Tree sculpture stands about 10 feet above ground. When I took on this project, my primary concern was ensuring its weather-proofing since it’s made of wood. Sun and rain were major concerns, but I decided to treat it like it is a boat.
After initial design work, I collaborated with Jeff Porter, a skilled woodworker and creative person. However, the pandemic began during the project, significantly slowing down our progress. Fortunately, we had already purchased Marine Grade plywood for the tree and goats, as well as some initial materials.
We treated all the wood pieces, both front and back, with four to six coats of Epoxy, ensuring UV resistance for the paint and stains. Despite the setbacks, such as wildfires blowing ash all over during epoxy days and the challenges of moving the sculpture through a small walkway for installation, we incorporated some unexpected elements into the design. The pattern on the tree and the perches for the goat’s feet are beautiful details that weren’t originally planned.
The video provides a brief glimpse into the creation and installation of “The Goat Tree.” I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this project. The goat tree now resides in a private residence in Long Beach, California.
WATCH THE VIDEO
PART 1 - What is the XplOrdiary Garden Series?
XplOrdinary Gardens
In the beginning, there was just a love of mushrooms, but then came an inspiration to add multi-layering to wood pieces and the desire to learn to use a router.
The XplOrdinary Gardens - is the first time I have worked in the method of developing multiple versions of the artwork while I am creating it.
These multiple versions include wood dioramas, woodcut work, watercolor, pen and ink, video, glass, and apparel.
I have feelings and stories that are attached to every piece I make but, a narrative story comes as the series builds- and the website is helping me create that aspect. All of the ongoing characters and subjects are meant to be viewed all together in an environment. I am working on this series to be presented as a multilayered exhibition.
Just for today, I am working on this layer of the garden, the internet adaptation.
The video is a small summary of the vast garden I am creating to eXplore.
It is XplOrdinary.
( XplOrdinary is an adjective)