Inner space – the individual singular outlook or view the artist discovers in his/her adventure with paints. Otherwise – painting is an exploration of one’s environment and how he/she reacts to it and explains it to himself. When a solid object becomes a palpable shadow and light is the dream taking shape. Interweaving of lines or circles of color as seen from the singular focusing of the artist’ own microscope, focusing and refocusing until that which under study comes out clearly delineated by light and shadow. The works in black and white engross me even days after the work has dried up and experimentally hang in four or five positions – places against a wall. The contrast between black and white and the aura of the colors that emanate in-between these two none colors are most impressive significantly with pentel and canvas with the cloth medium adding texture to the figures. Black and white works also show a naiveté that is easily dispensed in the use of color.
I find watercolors the most versatile in paintings. They create their own forms and guide the artist to identify and signify what he should see, show, or mean. Abstract works become more abstract with watercolour through the sureness and opaque boldness. Acrylic paint is more authoritative, being less amorphous.
I enjoy looking at my work. Except that there’s the tendency to change or revise something each time. I look and that usually spoils the pristine spontaneity of the work as it bespeaks of hesitance, a wavering of decision, a change of mind if not heart. It also makes the work dirty and unsure of itself.
TALA, September 13, 2007, TLAyala
all rights reserved cynthia alexander, pilipinas 2007
