When it comes to abstract art, I’ve noticed pretty mixed reviews. Art appreciators general either love them or hate them, and artists either fear them or embrace them. I used to be one of the former but, I’ve faced a LOT of my fears (except skydiving/bungee jumping… that’s sooo NOT happening). What I love about abstracts is the mixed reactions. I love that everyone sees something a bit different. I find the question “Ok, but what is it SUPPOSE to be?” hilarious!
The First Abstract
The day came where I really wanted to make art, but I didn’t want to put in the effort to do my “usual” process. I wanted something abstract and I wanted instant gratification to get me started so I could build from there. I threw some supplies together, blew it up and smoked it out (I’m talking gunpowder and smoke bombs). Then, I sat and stared at it for hours. I was pleased and I enjoyed the process, but it took me a while to work up the courage for the next step. Finally, I added some charcoal and pastels until “In Waiting” was born.
I took “In Waiting” to my critique group and listened to them discuss their interpretations of “what it’s SUPPOSE to be”. I just leaned back and grinned, trying to see what they saw, too. One saw a puppet, one saw a face, one said something about a samurai sword? Finally, they all looked at me and I said, “I don’t know… I see a fish waiting in the reeds?”
My Addiction
After creating my first abstract, I quickly became addicted and realized it started a frenzy. With this new process, there’s no way I can make two alike… I probably couldn’t even make them similar. I now have several other methods for abstracts, such as my Abstract Flower Series (some shown below).
Featured Abstracts
The full images can be found in the links, from left to right: Small Orange Abstract Flower, Starburst, Medium Orange Abstract Flower, Autumn Warrior, Medium Yellow Abstract Flower, Melancholy.
Art & Gunpowder 