They say, “don’t tell, show” and I generally think that holds up. Then there are times I just want to say, “ITS A BAT”
“Deep Cuts” opens Sat, May 9 @brassworksgallery with @alexreisfar
Opening alongside is “Breath of Clover” curated by @annieowensart
#Portland #skullcarving #brassworksgallery #pdxart #jasonborders
“Stabilized Honey”
61” x ~20”
Carved Longhorn skull, walnut ink, beeswax
My best work.
I’ve done what I do so long that the mechanism has become so automatic and the meditative state so deep it’s caused the subject matter to often become personal enough I don’t want to share publicly. Not always the case, but it is here.
Of course, I have no idea what any piece is about going in. I think any creator worth their salt can tell you that the voice comes from elsewhere. It’s my job to hone my physical and mental skills with practice and effort before getting out of the way. The vessel, not the author. When I was young it struck me as odd that I should sign my name. Often forgot. I read back the voice’s strange typography when it’s done. If I’ve done my job well the message is usually clear. Not always.
There are two mirrored, flowing goldfish at the crown. The Buddha-esque, infantile faces look inward. Below them two tigers. They have the hands of a man. I see them as formerly uncontrolled and now restrained. Twin guardians. At either sides of the face are large fish with even, measured grids of scales.
I hit the skull with beeswax. Hard. I melted it so thoroughly and deeply that the bone is practically emulsified in a stable matrix. Origin of the name, in part. The layered encaustic gives it a kind of glow. The depth is notable in person. I’ve never been happier with a finish. I loved the broad expanse, depth and uniform density of the skull itself. Horns like amber, oddly symmetrical, tipped with a graphite grey that *perfectly* complimented the charcoal tone that showed after oiling/sealing. Un-carved it was a thing of beauty. Gravitas encapsulate.
I made it in less than 3 weeks while taking care of a post-op wife and sharing a twin bed with a 90lb dog and sick child. Giving him meds every 4hrs. Did most work late at night. I was all-in. Singularly minded. And I’m proud of my work.
It’s available via @brassworksgallery and on view thru June 6. Link up top. Hope you’ll check it out. Or hell, even buy the thing.
#meditation #skullart #skull #ink #badass
“Deep Cuts” with @alexreisfar tonight, 5/9 5-9
@brassworksgallery
3022 NE Glisan
Portland Oregon
“Breath of Clover” an expansive group show, as well as “Late to the Party” from @annieowensart open alongside.
Hope to see yall there.
#brassworks #pdxart #skullart #fineart #sculpture
One of two elk cows to be shown in “Deep Cuts” - May 9 @brassworksgallery with @alexreisfar
You can see 2 days and 3 nights pass in the video and an ant colony strikes at the 28sec mark.
#BTS #timelapse #wednesday #elk #skull
Oregon elk skull, walnut ink, beeswax.
Loud and Clear, a 5”x5” show opens Feb 20-21 @thepurpledoorpdx
First of its kind- 5”x5” section cut from an elk scapula. Pleased with how it turned out.
I’ll be in attendance tmrw (Friday) and look forward to seeing some of yall there.
#pdxart #purpledoorpdx #artshowportland #bone #bonecarving
