Processing

So, I started a new piece and I don’t really know what I am up to. I found tons of photographs at the East Bay Depot and for some reason was attracted to people sitting on their couches. At the same time they had piles and piles of old CalTrans aerial photographs. I didn’t know the two would be part of the same piece, but I decided to purchase them that day. What has happened with them so far is this…

I’m not feeling it at the moment and I don’t know why. I love the concept. To fill you in I have decided to take these found photographs and use them as my subject matter and use the CalTrans photos as my canvas. I want to express the idea that we all have neighbors and most of us don’t take the time to get to know one another. So, these ladies could be my neighbors. It is just kind of crazy to look at all of those houses and wonder what kind of people live there. What do they like to do with their spare time? Are they happily married or recently divorced? Do they like their lives? How am I connected to them?

I’m tossing back and forth with painting faces or leaving them blank. Conceptually speaking, leaving them blank would make more of a suggestion that they could be anyone. And it would also express the sort of anonymity that a lot of us live in these days. We don’t communicate face to face so much anymore (this blog being an example). In some ways that is a good thing. There are people out there who would never get the opportunity to view my work if this blog didn’t exist.  But, then again, sometimes there is nothing like a face to face conversation.

Enough babbling, Just wanted to write a bit to clear my head. I’m starting on a new blank CalTrans photograph and using and older gentlemen who is sitting on a couch. We will see how this painting turns out. I think I might leave the ladies alone for a while and look at them again in about a week with fresh eyes.

Another thing, why am I painting? Why the sudden urge? I don’t know…

Lauren

Related posts:

1. September 11th Piece