‘Sholop’ - Inhabited Sculpture Public Artwork
'Inhabited Sculpture' - this is a concept I pitched 6 years ago in West Palm Beach for a Public Art RFP. The idea of working with Architects to re-think surface facades' in conjunction with contemporary painting. Using the surfaces to build dimensions, depth, and environments.
Title: Sholop (*Meaning "Specter" in the Chickasaw Language)
Medium: Acrylic Paint & Spraypaint
Size: 5030 square feet Year 2020/2021
Location: Redmond, Washington
Artist Assistants: Dennis Ryan Pekala, Bubba H., & Clark Allen
Project Management: Denise Joseph
'Sholop' is utilizing architecture to help transform the structure into an Inhabited Sculpture. Keeping the long term in mind for those using the building daily - to always find something new about the artwork. A perspective, color combination choice, lighting, the experience of the day & night light, and movement of interaction. Making the artwork three-dimensional on a large scale so the viewer is engaged in exploring the artwork.
The execution of contemporary painting & public art is created by bringing color theory and mark-making to the focus point of the painting. The canvas along the facade is the point of interest for the viewer. Wrapping themselves on all four surfaces of the building, they will pull the viewer close for detailed views and micro compositions. While being able to render at distance with a blend that enhances the environment. Starting with the base, in a much cooler color and darker palette, rich blues and purples to build the depth of the foundation. Gradually working itself to the mid-points becoming more purples into warmer reds as vibrant mid-tones. And finally reaching the top of the building's edge into a crisp lighter warmer palette of reds and oranges. Each line & block of color is carefully put in to create a larger composition of movement & energy.
My painting techniques are specialized from years of prepress printing techniques applied to an analog contemporary painting style that is distinct in my work. This artwork will have reflections of both the movement of printing as a means of painting. Using the width of brushstroke as a gesture of pulling color in the printing process for application of contemporary painting.
