“Circus of Fifths” Visual Improvisations
Limited Varied Edition
Statement:
In my art making, I work intuitively, and I welcome improvisation. For some time, I have been exploring in my artwork relationships between geometric and metaphoric symbols, math, and music which, over time, the archetypal imagery evolved to become my "Universal Language" series. When I viewed a diagram of musician John Coltrane’s interpretation of the music theory of the “circle of fifths” it profoundly resonated with my ideas and creative spirit; it was the inspiration for this work. This project is a portfolio book of visual interpretations and translations which endeavors to show the connections/relationships between math, music, and art.
“Circus of Fifths” print portfolio book is comprised of nine copper etching prints on Rives BFK, 250gsm. paper, except for one edition on Stonehenge paper. Oil based inks were utilized. Each edition has one unique collage. The mixed media collages on 2-ply archival matt board include related miscellaneous ephemera of music, text, working drawings and watercolors that originated from my printing process for the project, and prints from my previous “Universal Language” series that had incorporated archetypal symbols with music and math. Each title page has a unique 4”x 3” etching printed below the title. Several of the varied editions utilize the chine collé technique and numerous combinations of hues.
The last page is the colophon, Rives BFK, 250gsm. paper was utilized except for one edition that used Stonehenge paper. The font for the text is Avant Garde. The title page, nine pages of etching prints, collage page, and colophon are housed in a wooden portfolio box that has a bottom covered with black book cloth with two black pull ribbons which enables one to lift out the contents. Archival glues were used.
I created and press printed each copper etching plate in studios in Fiddletown, CA or Santa Fe, NM. The portfolio boxes were designed by me in collaboration with Herb Boxhorn. The Plexiglas stands and portfolio box covers which I designed were fabricated in Sacramento by Acrylic Images.
Dimensions: portfolio box with lid; 16 1/4” x 12 3/8” x 1 3/8”; pages: 15”x 11 3/16”; etching image: 8”x 6”; collage on board: 12”x 9 approx.
Please view the short video of the work.
