Vestige- Encaustic/Mixed

[Printmakerguy]

Something different for me from the studio... I completed this one this morning- A cryptic, untranslated hyrogliphic written language is barely visible under the layers built over the top, revealing more recognizable, modern means of communication, all the way up to our 'new' form of picture writing, the barcode...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2006/36273-Vestige_WC.jpg

And, Some closeups- These KIND of show the texture. I find encaustics tough to photograph!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2006/36273-VestigeCl1.jpg
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http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2006/36273-VestigeCl2.jpg
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http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Sep-2006/36273-VestigeCl3.jpg

10" x 10".

Encaustic, Pigment, Graphite, & Handmade japanese paper on board.

As always, any C & C is welcome and appriciated!

-Andrew

[Smileawhyl]

I would like to see some of the lines, in the major figure of the base design, work their way forward to interact with the digits and symbols. I've always liked your work and especially the turn of your thoughts. Encaustics, however, are very hard for me to like (don't know why exactly, just a personal problem I think). This technique comes closest to something that captures my attention with them.

[Nisha]

I really love your subject matter. Your work does illustrate the passage of time and the development of communication through the layering you've done. Encaustic is certainly well suited for this kind of work but I have to say it's the first time I've seen it used this way. :thumbsup:

I do feel that it is missing a focal point however. The use of subtle colouring or grouping some letters together or one barcode in a much larger size to create contrast and draw the eye would give the piece more impact, I feel.

I love the direction you are going with your encaustics. Keep it going. :)

[Printmakerguy]

Thanks for the comments...

Nisha- I was thinking the same, it kind of needs something to draw you in... A larger barcode had crossed the mind- or perhaps a bit of red to represent a laser reading the barcode... Hmm...

Smyl- Don't give up on encaustics too soon!! I hated them at first, but I am hard headed, and didn't give up too soon. Encaustics are kind of tough, especially if you like having control over things in your art! But, I think that the results are worth it- They have a look and feel that nothing else can touch- It just doesn't translate well to the computer monitor!!

-Andrew

[gingery]

This is an interesting persuit of the language, but maybe using some colour somewhere would help in gaining a focal point. It will be interesting to see how you persue this.
ginger

[Diane Cutter]

I like where you are headed Andrew... I agree with Smile's comments about some of the lines showing...

Diane

[veedubya]

Ha! How will they know at the gallery which bar code to scan? Saves them the trouble of pricing!

Seriously, this is like archeology. It's a wonderful mysterious look.

[digitalken]

Andrew,

I really like this piece! Some Art is meant to be viewed far away, some close up... Yours is one of the close up kind. It's a palimpsest, really and has lots of mystery in it! Please don't change a thing.

I think a mat and frame would be a good 'setting' for this jewel. I've taken the liberty of creating a virtual 'frame' to see if you like it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Sep-2006/78257-Glyph.jpg

The frame and mat become the 'focal point' and draws the viewer in to take a journey...

Good job, old bean! Let's see more of your work!

Ken

[Printmakerguy]

Thanks, Ken.

Yup- this is one of those 'up close' pieces. I tend to do some like that, and some that demand distance, too... I like the mat and frame...

-Andrew