Patterns and Tones: Detritus: A Closer Look

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Detritus: A Closer Look

"Agua Dulce No. 3" from The Detritus Series

Continuing my exploration of light and form, I have created several more images based on items from the basin of the Sierra Pelona Valley to the top of Tejon Pass and Mt. Diablo. Each individual piece informed me on how to approach their portrait. For the dried up yucca plant, I emphasized the base, filling it in with plaster of paris to round out what would have naturally been there. The dried flowers at the top were lightly brushed with the compound to highlight their now brittle structure.

In contrast to the prickly and dried detritus that I found in the hot and dry High Desert, items I found at the top of the Tejon Pass in Southern California and Mt. Diablo in Northern California are typical dry grasses and reads. Their graceful forms appear to have evolved with their perpetual dance with wind, flexibly bending and waving on top of great heights. I chose to give them a "vase" to sprout from, emphasizing their beauty.

I am excited to announce "Garvanza No. 2" from The Detritus Series was recently selected to be in an exhibition at the Autry's Historic Southwest Museum in "Back to the Roots, a Tribute to Richard Duardo". The Arroyo Arts Collective group show is being presented in conjunction with The Lummis Day Festival this weekend.

Richard Duardo was a master art printer who worked in collaboration with such artists as David Hockney, Keith Haring and Banksy. He was also a mentor and supporter of emerging artists, focusing on artists in the East Los Angeles Chicano community he was born and raised in. Mr. Duardo was also a co-founder in the late 70's of the political arts collective Centro de Arte Público based in Highland Park.

As mentioned in the write up for the exhibition, "the pop-up exhibit will take place within the historic Southwest Museum site's Norman F. Sprague, Jr. Auditorium - a gallery space made available by the Autry National Center of the American West which is serving for the first time as a Lummis Day sponsor."