Fixing a Warped Painting

So earlier I posted pictures of the large scale ink and gouache painting I had done, combining Chinese and Indian style idioms. I did the ink first, mounting the rice paper to a larger and firmer piece of rice paper using a rice-paste method which flattens and smooths out the lot of it, which can wrinkle quite a bit in the painting process. I then applied the gouache, hoping that it would be sturdy enough to take the application.

It wasn't, especially after I changed plans midway (from rainbow patterns to pure silver). The piece was left warped and wrinkled. So, not to be defeated so easily, I looked up methods normally used to flatten warped watercolor pieces, figuring that, though the rice paper was thinner, the ink was indelible. The only worrisome bit was the gouache.

The actual process was relatively simple. I got a large sponge and dampened the back of the piece, working from the inside out like I do to apply adhesives or whichever. I then sandwiched the painting between a couple layers of scrap newsprint on either side. I then put all of that between two pieces of hardboard and stuck a giant box of books on top of it. It did wonders. Some of the lake bits are still not perfectly flat, but I think that owes more to the layers of paint. Everywhere else is as flat as when I first mounted it.

Success.

Some comparison shots:

I think I just want to... disappear people. Leave nothing but the traces.

Of course then the debate becomes whether I want them to essentially walk up and leave, float away, evaporate, keel over dead, be arrested, eaten by wolves, abducted by aliens or whatever.

Now, in the semi-recent events surrounding Harold Camping's rapture-end-is-nigh spiel, there were quite a few people doing things that looked like this:

Honestly though, while it was rather funny at the time I don't currently find it all that interesting. Aliens aren't much better. I feel a more subtle approach might be best - as if perhaps someone were taken forcefully from a room, but not in a graphically violent way. Tipped over chairs, spilled cups, open doors. Leaving the impression that someone was taken, or had to leave in quite a hurry and creating a host of questions in the viewer.

Visability

I have some images of my latest series! These aren't the final documentation photos, and some of the colors may be a touch off, but they are decent for the most part and I can't resist sharing. I debated it for awhile, but finally caved. Do keep in mind they look much better in person. I know, I know, people say that all the time, but there are a lot of sculptural details in the wax (hand carving and layering) that simply don't show up in these photos.

Visability - Mounted photos, ink on rice paper, wax 17.5x11.5

The process is... interesting to say the least. I printed the images off and then mounted them on hardboard/masonite, requesting the guy at the hardware store (Derek) to, essentially, cut the board on the inseam so that my photos would not potentially have problems covering the full space, which turned out to be a solid move.

I knew I didn't want a clean cut on the rice paper, since the look falls into the grunge aesthetic. The solution to that was simple enough - a clean brush dipped in water and traced around the figures allowed me to tear the paper in various ways without risking the images. I thought of the idea when I remembered a line of water as the easiest way to break off segments from the roll (if you didn't care about it being smooth, that is).

I found out through experimentation that if I rushed things and applied any wax coating before the rice paste had completely dried after applying the ink drawings to the photo that instead of enhancing the paper's ethereal qualities it instead actually made it more opaque (rice paste is a traditional tool used for mounting ink drawings done on rice paper, or for various kinds of collage work - very handy stuff. The ink is indelible after drying, as opposed to, say, watercolor). Having to work over the course of days killed me, as I am not known for being patient.

After heating the wax in a crock-pot until liquid, I applied it using a very thin fan brush, creating a light layer to start with over the entirety of the paper parts. I then built it up by adding more wax in sections and creating textures with drips, brush-strokes, and splatters.

When the wax had cooled (which takes no time at all), I used a tool that resembled a hair stick (which resemble chopsticks or skewers) and carved into the wax which always remains relatively soft, creating accents, detail, and figural relief. I could have worked deeper, but I wanted enough thinness to let the ink show through without the wax obscuring. If I do something like this again, I might also use woodcut stamps to add design work into the piece.

Merch!

New Merch!

All of these are available for sale, and all have a limited supply (the pins especially) so let me know if you are interested in the comments or through an email. Or whatever. I am not picky.

Now back to work for me. Time to finish some art!

Sleep is a talent I never had, anyway

I actually am doing rather well for how little sleep I got last night. I stayed up all night making ink drawings on rice paper to use for my current project. Which is largely photo based. Go figure.

Anyway, in a gross misuse of technology I was using my Cintiq monitor as a lightboard of sorts. It worked surprisingly well, and the ink was rendered harmless by a coating of saran wrap. Felt or similar fabric is generally more preferable as a working surface for ink on rice paper, as it readily soaks up the excess, but one does what they must. The rice paper was too thick for highly detailed transfers, so I mostly just marked down the more key elements and shadows, filling in the details using those reference points. It worked well enough and it certainly didn't hurt that I was going for a relatively wet and grungy feel to begin with.

I really wish I had, at some point, taken pictures of the endeavor. The thought did occur to me at times, but I was always too preoccupied with making the images. And also hoisting a monitor sideways on my lap (inconvenient when I accidentally clicked the side buttons every now and then).

This is really the reason I stayed up so late, the preoccupation that is. I was totally in the zone, and was thoroughly convinced that I was wide awake and it was simply the best idea to see it through as I was producing work that I was happy with. This lasted until I was done, when I was immediately assaulted by a wave of exhaustion and was staring down only a couple hours of time for sleeping.

So it goes.

I end with a teaser about the project I mentioned above. That photo surely must be the penultimate achievement of my artistic career, don't you think?

"My Favorite Artistic Advice"

I was trying to help out an aspiring yet struggling artist today when I recalled a stellar video that it took me ages to dig up from the internet again. So, since I put in all the work I will share it here as well.

It really is quite good.

Consent, Assignment and Release

This is transcribed loosely (with none of the specific details) from the cards I hand out at work. This covers, in fine print, the back of the card:

CONSENT, ASSIGNMENT AND RELEASE

By consenting to [] representatives photographing my image and/or the image of a minor (each, an “Image”), I am (1) representing that I am at least eighteen years of age and, if applicable, the parent and/or legal guardian of the minor being photographed, (2) consenting to the Image(s) appearing and/or used in any medium currently existing and hereafter developed, including, without limitation, on the associated [] website located at [] (the “Website”), without any compensation to me or the minor or any heirs or successors, (3) assigning to [] and it’s parents and affiliates all worldwide right, title and interest in or to such Image(s), and (4) releasing in perpetuity [all involved peoples] or [any entity which now, or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with [previous peoples] and subsidiaries and affiliated entities thereof] from any claim of right in respect of such Image(s), including, but not limited to, claims of false endorsement or rights of publicity or privacy.

If you wish to have your Image removed from the Website or have any other questions, please contact us at []

I find this particularly interesting because I severely doubt it is any way legally binding. It is a seemingly pompous gesture. For the record, when we actually want to use a family's image for promotional we always have them sign a model release.