#0876

0878_overwrought_w

#0876

Late last night I pushed myself to let something emerge. The push was against simple exhaustion, it was late, I was tired and yet I wanted to get something out. I often do that, “one more!” The result looks quite harmonious to me. That is surprising, it felt like a battle and I called it Overwrought. It has no name now.

Earth Cross

0875_earth-cross6s_w

0875 Earth Cross

While it is satisfying to pursue this theme, I am conflicted. It is hard to be simple, its so minimalist.

There is a relationship in crosses. A cross is nothing if not a relationship. Relationships are not that simple.

There is the battle.

Some reflections quotes from artists follow.

~

Julian Dashper.

I saw the exhibition in the Christchurch Art Gallery recently. All new to me. I found it funny! To see the drum kit in front of the series of Hotrere circles with the name on it: The Hoteries, as if it were the Beatles… and then the same for all the other great New Zealand artists was a hoot! His work with circles and the very simple ones he does especially are of interest as I pursue these crosses.

I notice that circles recur often in your work, not only with your-
records but also in your repeated use of drumheads and the (0)
paintings. ‘What is the significance of circles for you?

I first started working with circles circa (smile out loud) 1992.
Another older artist had suggested to me that a circle was really the
hardest shape to work with as it totally dictated itself. It’s
difficult to paint a budgie inside a circle and for it
still to look good, I guess. I just immediately thought, `Gosh a
painting that makes itself’, and rushed out and bought a compass.
Circles also echo ideas in nature for me, and you can’t get more
perfect than that (nature, I mean). Actually, the thing is, Peter,
every artist has to start somewhere and I figure a circle is as good a
place as a railway station.

b.150 Bulletin of the Christchurch Art Gallery

To the Unknown New Zealander

Peter Vangioni talks to Julian Dashper

Earth Cross

0867_earth-cross5c_w

#0867 Earth Cross

I am in this phase of the 800s where crosses will dominate for a while. Here in this post are three more exploring this base.

0868_earth-cross4_w

0868 Earth Cross

0869_earth-cross5_w

0869 Earth Cross

0870_earth-cross5a_w
Earth Cross 5a

0870 Earth Cross

Evening Landscape

#0866.

More sketching using an earlier one.

There is a tension between my work with abstracts and the more sketchbook work. I am obsessed with my explorations of the simple lines of a cross. There is the desire to develop something from my earlier landscapes, desire but not the will. This one is here – because I am sketching… it is a step, who knows if there is another step.