Dear reader, while self isolating I started a new body of large scale works, produced in my garage art studio with materials and tools that I have available. I will explore energetic drawing and painting with urban art-making tools—such as fire extinguishers filled with architectural paint—on structures fabricated from building materials.

The idea for this project started already a while ago—now accelerated by the disruption due to the COVID19 outbreak—as an initiative to artistically apply construction skills that I acquired from relocating and remodeling my new dwellings. A shift in scale, media, and working methods is a fascinating opportunity to produce a collection of substantial artworks, which deal with subjects and techniques other than in my illustration and live art work. Furthermore this project introduces stimulating physical and artistic routines to my daily schedule while staying at home.

In the initial series of 5-10 works I will study botanical subjects, influenced by and reacting to Robert Mapplethorpe’s still life photographs of flowers, such as poppies and calla lilies. At this uncertain time they are calming and incredibly beautiful to look at and may perhaps evoke new meanings as the world and our life is suddenly changing.

For now this production will mainly be introduced and documented on my instagram page @jarnosees with snapshots and videos of the creative process and resulting works. Please email me for inquiries or leave your feedback on the comments section here. Most importantly, stay well and keep creating during this strange time!

info:
calla lily 1987, after robert mapplethorpe, 2020
enamel paint on stucco
48 x 48 x 4.5 inches ( 121.9 x 121.9 x 11.4 cm) - slightly irregular