Today I’m thrilled to announce my latest series of work titled “RE:Awaken”. This series of work is very different than what you’ve seen from me in the past.
This new series is NOT photography, it is mixed media work created with paint, pencils, markers, collage and many other mark-making tools. These pieces were originally created on paper or wood panels and then reproduced on fine art paper.
I’ve been working on this series for about a year and am really excited to show it off to you. I’m inviting you to explore this new and exciting work here!
Description
This work is not representational in any aspect of that term. It is strictly abstract work. In it you’ll discover a vibrant interplay of color, form and textures. You’ll find lively hues that collide and geometric shapes that create a dynamic rhythm across the surface.
This expressionistic work invites personal interpretation and adds energy to any space. It’s a striking addition that would enhance your collection and spark interesting conversations.
Inspiration
The title of this collection “RE:Awaken” refers to the re-awakening of the creative spirit that lies deep down in all of us. This spirit is very elusive and remains hidden until uncovered through the creative process.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the painter Jackson Pollock who (when discussing his own work) said:
“The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.”
I’m very much engaged in a similar process right now as an artist. I find that the creative energy produced while creating work like this to be very powerful, inspiring and liberating.
Techniques
The techniques and tools that I used for this work are not new to me. In fact, I’ve been painting and drawing my entire life. This latest work is more of a re-focus and re-awakening of my love for painting, drawing and mixed media.
For this series of work, I used acrylic paint because it dries more quickly and is easier to build-up layers and textures than oil paint. It also provides a great foundation to draw on, scrape, add oil pastels, markers and other types of drawing media.
What I like most about mixed media work is that it is all hand-crafted. It is slight-of-hand in which any mistake made will often lead to new discoveries. If a mistake is made, the mistake remains and becomes part of the overall piece. There is no “undo” button like there is in the digital world. This work is totally personal and one-of-a-kind.
Thematic Explorations
In earlier paintings I would start with a subject or theme in mind before beginning. This new work though is very different because it involves more of a stream-of-consciousness process.
This does not involve a random process. Rather it is one where layers of paint are added to create an overall composition. Most marks created remain in place, others are covered up or scraped away. The resulting piece is a window into the imagination.
I left all of my inhibitions outside the door to my studio while working on this series. I felt moments of pure joy and freedom as well as moments of sadness and grief. My mind was filled with memories of experiences and people from an earlier time. It was quite liberating to say the least.
How to Engage with this New Work
So how do you connect with this new work from me? It’s very different than my photography. The key to understanding this new work is to spend time with each piece. Pause for few moments and explore the space inside the borders (“the window”) of each piece.
What should you be looking for? Look for something familiar or something new. Be conscious of how you feel while you explore each piece. Does it make you feel joyful? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? You might even want to have a personal dialogue with each piece. The title will also help uncover a bit more about my impressions of each piece.
Summary
The title of this series “RE:Awaken” describes what this new work is all about. It’s about rebirth, growth and the joy of exploring new things in life. In essence, it’s about becoming spiritually re-awakened.
Be sure to explore this new collection on my website at shop.chipjonesstudio.com. I’ll be releasing more new work on a regular basis this year. I encourage you to stay up to date on my activities by subscribing to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
