Cobalt Artist Studio and Gallery Exhibit Opening April 8, 2017 Artist’s Reception 4 – 6pm
Showing “Creation Series: A Collaboration With Nature”
Details from Creation Series no.20 at the Exhibit
Cobalt Artist Studio & Gallery
230 Village Boulevard
Suite 3
Incline Village, NV 89451
View Cobalt’s Website
View the Creation Series online gallery.
Artist Statement – Creation Series
The entire body of work before you encompasses years of deliberate, playful experimentation born on a bone-chilling Winter night in 2006. Seeking to create one result, I stumbled instead on an exciting, mysterious process that has continued to evolve and fascinate me ever since.
I call this collection the” Creation Series; A Collaboration With Nature.”
For that first experiment, my intent was to leave a wet watercolor painting outside all night which, theoretically, would freeze and leave an ice crystal pattern on my paper. It seemed simple enough. I headed out into the freezing Tahoe evening with acrylic inks, a water-soaked piece of paper in a cookie sheet and a little salt. I applied the ink and salt and left it to the elements.
The following morning, I ventured out to see how the night had finished what I had started. The result (see Creation no. 1) was fascinating. Water, ink and salt had responded to one another in the freezing temperature in ways totally unexpected. Exhilarated, I spent the rest of that first winter and every winter since inviting the coldest nights to join me in creating these unique pieces. Exploring ways to make the work BIG, I created multiple pieces that related to one another through movement and color. I was astonished to see that by assembling the paintings in this manner, the gestural work recorded an other-worldly conversation.
Measuring 3′ x 8′, Creation no.20 is my largest experiment to date. This piece has been installed with earth magnets to enhance its organic nature, avoiding the disruption of matt and frame. I invite you to closely examine the sparkling salt crystals and the intricate textures they have created. By then stepping back, you may appreciate the dynamic movement, complementary color contrast and scale of the assemblage.
After years of experimenting, the mystery remains intact. The right combination of water, pigment and temperature allows the salt crystals to melt, creating saltwater pathways spirited by nighttime breezes and falling snow. Over time, I have learned to patiently foster the work, predicting how the movement will unfold and subtly influencing that movement, more assisting in the process than controlling it. Ultimately though, I rely heavily on the roles played by the media, salt and weather. Each painting, although a product of human invention, is unique to the qualities of the moment and the natural world, and thus cannot be repeated.
– Ellen Nunes
Creation Series No.19 on Display at the Exhibit
