Letting Go, Graphite on Japanese Chiri Paper:
Letting Go was inspired by studying the frottage drawing process developed in 1925 by Surrealist artist Max Ernst, and by studying contemporary American artist Jill O’Bryan’s frottage-based drawings. This was my first attempt at frottage and a process-oriented abstract drawing.
I began by placing a sheet of Japanese chiri paper upon textured surfaces, and then rubbed the paper with graphite. One thing led to another, and I was challenged to understand what was effective versus not in terms of overall composition. I had a hard time with this at first, since it forced me to go with the flow rather than plan everything out. One never knows what successes he or she may find until the first mark is made.
I began by placing a sheet of Japanese chiri paper upon textured surfaces, and then rubbed the paper with graphite. One thing led to another, and I was challenged to understand what was effective versus not in terms of overall composition. I had a hard time with this at first, since it forced me to go with the flow rather than plan everything out. One never knows what successes he or she may find until the first mark is made.
