Connective Tissue

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on September 13, 2011 at 12:55pm

I've often struggled with the idea of conforming to one 'signature style'.  But I do think to a large extent that is driven by the marketplace.  Most galleries appreciate stylistic conformity because it allows them to market a known commodity.  But those constraints are often at odds with artistic growth & experimentation.  I also believe that if one is willing to look close enough, they will see connections.  After all, if our handwriting is personal enough to 'match', why isn't our painting?  As for the title, I think it's ok to just leave it untitled unless or until you think it offers something to the reading.

Comment by Tom David on September 12, 2011 at 12:05am

You are very observant.  The little dots you see are actually beads of paint that I applied with a syringe.  As for the title, well, I often struggle with titles. . . sometimes changing them to fit the theme of a show.  I've never liked the title of this one, but grew weary trying to think up a better one.  I guess I just gave up on it.  Any suggestions?  Range of subject matter and stylistic plasticity?  I've often been criticized for failing to produce a large enough body of work before moving on to something else. Of hopping around too much.  In response, I'm trying (struggling)to create at least 20 works in a series. I have completed maybe 10 so far.

Comment by Resident Curator on September 10, 2011 at 9:37pm

Curator’s Comments:

 

The only thing I don’t particularly like about this work is the title!  It’s a gorgeous piece, but “Connective Tissue” for me is too specific or exclusive to describe the organic undulations of pinks and blue-greens…The edges show evidence of scrubbed, scumbled color- various glazes of semi-transparency and luscious modulations of opacity.  The handling of the media is quite masterful.  I’m intrigued by what appears to be actual texture in the background.  The raised or textural ‘bumps’ suggest a cellular conversion or biological synapsis as they move along the edge of the membrane like lining of the form.  I do see the visceral relationship to the title, but I also see tentacles, coral, silk taffeta, etc.  I’m also impressed by your range of subject matter and stylistic plasticity.