Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Between the Lines


Between the Lines 4 encaustic on paper 17 x17 LPressman

Over the years I have collected vintage postcards and old books that collect dust and take up space around the studio and house. Recently, while working, I grabbed two books and began tearing pages from them: Crime and Punishment and Love's Labor's Lost.


Between the Lines 9 encaustic on paper 17 x17 LPressman


Now it would be terrific if I could come up with some brilliant connection and intellectual conversation of the reason why I am using these two texts-but I haven't figured it out-yet. Perhaps when I get around to reading them that will enlighten me.


Between the Lines, Moment, encaustic on paper 17 x17 LPressman

All I know is that I am going page by page in each book. Most of my work in the past year or so has at least a page of one or the other. I love the feel, texture and color of the old pages and the hidden text that peeks through the images.




Between the Lines 10 encaustic on paper 17 x17 LPressman


Between the Lines 11 encaustic on paper 17 x17 LPressman

13 comments:

Rebecca said...

These are terrific, Lisa. I had to laugh at your admission of just using the pages for the artwork without having a specific reason why. If I had a nickel for every time I heard in grad school, "but why are you using this material?" I'd be a gazillionarie. For me, they are aesthetically pleasing and have such depth and interest and that is enough.

Stephanie Clayton said...

aesthetics go a long way, in my book.

why choose a certain material? sometimes simply because it's there; and as artists, we have a deep curiosity and need to mold and make something new from raw or existing materials. and that is reason enough to create, as these paintings seem to prove.

i find these works so pleasing, the way you've achieved the texture and depth. they have a mysterious quality, too.

Jeane Myers said...

these are wonderful Lisa - you color sense is so fabulous

Janet said...

Fantastic- love them.

Nancy Natale said...

Hi Lisa,
These are really great. The pages add subtle texture, and for those who wish to read, they give something to do while being immersed in the color, texture and forms - something for everyone! Lovely work!

lisa said...

Thanks for all the kind comments-It is always great to get instant feedback

Pamela Farrell said...

Nice work! I love how loose these are!!!!!! And the subtlety of the colors really work for me.

layers said...

I have also started using old book pages in my acrylic collage paintings. I have encaustics waiting for me after two workshops but have not tried them on my own. I think your paintings will give me encouragement.

Anonymous said...

I know this is not the most arty or literary comment in the world, but, too bad - wow!! I love these images with their hidden text and 'peeling' colours. I especially like the acidic greens and cool grays. Just so you know, I found my way here via Rebecca Crowell's blog, and will certainly be back again.

Tim McFarlane said...

I like that you're not worrying about the reasons why and just getting on with the work. That's a big part of creativity. The book pages take on a presence almost like buildings to me. Very nice work!

Rayna said...

Love these, Lisa. You're using those books because let's face it, you really don't want to read them again - LOL. The work is beautiful.

Ian MacLeod said...

beautiful work!!
ian

Denise said...

Lisa, just found your work late last night and it is so mezmerising and beckoning for further looks. I started working in encaustics just a few months ago as an offshoot of my acrylic collages. I love what you do with paper and black in your paintings. ~Denise