Paint, Paper and Fiber - Tom Dimond and Terry Jarrard-Dimond - Part II

Trinity V2 - Tom Dimond - 1997

30" x 22" - mixed media

I have known Tom Dimond since I was a senior student in college.  I have watched his work develop and how he can mine the gold of his ideas.  His sense of composition and eye for color are exceptional.  Tom is a fine artist and he is also my partner in life.

Looking at this tiny sampling of his work I am struck by the depth of information contained in each work and what a beautiful flow there is between each piece.  There are strong and continuous lines of exploration that run from our first meeting through today.  

Perhaps the strongest of those ongoing explorations is his love of geometric abstraction.  If all a viewer knew about his work was his current work they might be surprised by that statement as his work has broadened and softened recently.  However, the understructure of all of his work, the foundation of all of his work is firmly geometric and abstract in nature.

Trinity V2 is the oldest piece in this group and the bones of the painting are very clear.  If you click on the image to enlarge you will see the complex pattern of circles.  This is a structure he has used as a format for many years.  While it serves as an "actual framework" I have always thought of it as a way for him to get into the work as drawing all of that structure takes many hours.  These hours are ripe for contemplation and meditation.

Trinity V2 - Tom Dimond - detail - 1997

30" x 22" - mixed media

If you have ever taken an art history class or read art history you know how the study of an artist or a specific work by an artist can reveal mountains of information the casual viewer will never see or understand for what is "really" in the art.

Two examples of that type of content are revealed in Trinity V2.  The cherries (in life they are air freshners) refer to a famous work by Kurt Schwitters and The Cherry Picture.  In addition to the use of the cherries, Trinity V2  uses collage which is a process Schwitters is famous for using.

The other reference is the geometric element at the top which is a stellated dodecahedron.  Tom was on a trip to Italy and saw this figure in a tile floor by Paolo Ucello in St. Mark's Cathedral.  Tom has used this form not only as an element in paintings and collages but has constructed entire paintings on frames which go together as this geometric form.

S.H.I.E.L.D. - Tom Dimond - 2013

30" x 22" - mixed media

S.H.I.E.L.D. is a collage painting.  I use the double term as there is about a 50-50 mix of paint and collage materials.  The beautiful and serene symmetry which Tom often uses is very present and the large black form draws you in. As you approach the work for closer inspection you see that hiding under paint and thick layers of mediums and papers are other possibly more familiar and recognizable images.  Spend some time looking at the large black element.  Put it together in your mind.  What is it?  I'll share that later on but hiding under the paint are panels from comic books.  

Each panel from the comics has had the text removed and parts of the images are obscured.  You are ask to "fill in the blank".  What is the story"  Is there a story?  Is it enough to enjoy the relationships of the images, marks, textures, colors?  For me the answer is absolutely.  That is one of the joys of contemporary art.  Tom is and has been a fan of comic art for his entire life.  He knows all of the classic characters and more importantly he knows the artists who created them and brought them to life.  Their inclusion in his work is not a hollow exercise.  These images are part of his creative body of knowledge, his art vocabulary.

Reaching Out - Tom Dimond - 2013

30" x 22" - mixed media

Reaching Out was created during the same time span as S.H.I.E.L.D.   You likely recognize the black element from Shield only in a different configuration.  These look like little faces staring with their big eyes and smiling or frowning.  Have you figured it out.  Tom walks and during his walks he became aware of small metal disks on the street that had been mashed.  He has a little jar filled with them.  They are the metal end caps from old style fluorescent light tubes.  Who knew?  By scanning, simplifying and enlarging them they have been morphed into tribal masks, little people, entities far removed from their manufactured origin.

Reaching Out - Tom Dimond - detail - 2013

30" x 22"

Reaching Out is named for the hand that appears at the upper center of the piece.  It is the hand of one of Tom's favorite characters - Silver Surfer.  Silver Surfer brings an entire history to the piece and I know there are people who recognize him and other characters that are making appearances in Tom's current work.  It is just another way people can enjoy these complex works of art. 

The work continues to move ahead.  More painting.  More collage.  More layers.  Tom's studio reveals his concerns, thoughts, process.  Things hang and are out for study.

Tom in his sunroom studio.

This work along with my work are on view in Paper, Paint and Fiber at the The Art Center in Clemson SC until Wednesday, June 15, 2016.  Tom is presenting demonstration/workshop June 11 at the Art Center. For more information and to register: click here

Tom Stanley - Slide Script Paintings

Chain, Chain, Chain - Tom Stanley

acrylic and collage on canvas - 1992

13.75" x 21.74"

This past Saturday I had the wonderful experience of sitting with a circle of friends, collectors and artists to participate in Coffee and Conversation with Tom Stanley at the Hampton III Gallery in Taylors, SC.  These gatherings are a tradition at the gallery and are hosted by gallery owner and director Sandy Rupp. Seated in the main room surrounded by the artwork, guests have the opportunity to interact with the featured artist.

Tom Stanley is well known in the Southeast and beyond.  I thought I knew his work but I was delighted to see this never before exhibited group of paintings which presented new insights into his studio explorations.

The first works which caught my attention were from a series created in 1992 - 1993.  Works featuring colorful animated figures, iconic shapes, and collage fragments floating in a field of black. Chain, Chain, Chain is from that series.  The style of the work seems to reflect his love of "self-taught" artists work but the composition is flawless and speaks of an artist who is well versed in how to utilize space yet there is nothing self-conscious about that knowledge.  Stanley has actually been a supporter of artists who work outside the framework of education even though he is by profession a teacher and art professional.

Holy Ghost - Tom Stanley

acrylic on canvas - 1992

26" 

Stanley was very generous and shared many stories and insights about the elements contained within his painting.  Often these elements find their way into the work through life experience and over time become an integral part of his art vocabulary.  Some of the elements which were repeated were the profile ( love the profile within a profile in Holy Ghost), ladders, steps, geometric forms and lots of mechanical drawing. He shared he was a mechanical engineer geek when in high school.  Elegant mechanically drawn lines are key to some areas in work from the Profile Across the River series.

Profile Across the River #1 - Tom Stanley

acrylic on 300# arches - 2003-2005

30" x 22"

The mood and form of work from the Profile Across the River series really changes from the earlier work. The palette is more somber and more neutral.  There is one large central figure supported by a few additional elements in front of an intense and richly textured background.  These works were not my favorite on first look but as we talked about the development of the work and the story behind the works my feelings began to change.  I mentioned earlier about the feeling of "self-taught" mixed with well trained elements in this work.  These paintings showcase this combination of approaches  beautifully. Each painting has one huge head balancing on precarious double wheels or on very fragile classical structures.  Each head has what appears to be areas allowing the viewer to see through them into the "night sky".  The pieces tell something of the story of how Stanley's grandfather lost his life.

Profiles en Route to Hamlet #2 - Tom Stanley

acrylic - 1998

22" x 30"

The third series of works from this exhibit is titled Profiles en route to Hamlet and I had a hard time selecting which piece to feature as I loved them all.  Once again we have profiles floating in a dark endless world.  There are slivers of a moon, a skinny ladder going to who knows where, giant plants and the ever present mechanical structures left for your interpretation.  The imagery is developed using sgraffito on layers of acrylic.  Every inch of the surface has the scratches of this very active technique which demands fast decisions and action.  Despite what some might describe as an eerie atmosphere I found the work to be quiet, calm and peaceful.

I encourage you to visit Hampton III and see this fascinating show and be sure to pick up one of the show brochures.  The brochure has a wonderful article on Stanley and his work written by Maria Clare Paulino, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Winthrop University where Stanley is chair of the art department.  If you can't make it to the show be sure and visit the Hampton III Gallery website which has images of all work in the exhibition.

Alicia Hunsicker - Nature Provides A Constant Source of Inspiration

Convergence - Alicia Hunsicker

As I have explored the world through cyber space I have connected with many talented artists.  Alicia Hunsicker is one of the first artists whose work I discovered and have continued to enjoy her magical and mysterious work.

Alicia lives in Leyden Massachusetts where she works surrounded by nature which is her primary source of inspiration.  She states in her Bio/Statement that she has felt called to be an artist from and early age.  She earned a BFA in Printmaking with a Graphic Design concentration and now works from her mountain top studio.

Celestial Cartography - Alicia Hunsicker

Alicia has exhibited extensively throughout New England as well as internationally and has received a number of grants and residencies.  Currently she has exhibitions at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY and Gallery in the Woods, Brattleboro, Vt.

Drift - Alicia Hunsicker

Interview

Terry - What is your background relating to your art life?  How has your work developed to its current status?

Alicia - I have always had the calling to be an artist. I received a Bachelors’ of Fine Art degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Printmaking with a Graphic Design emphasis. After graduation I moved to Vermont and worked in a photo lab where I  learned about photography. It was also at that time I became very interested in painting.  I had taken one class while attending UMass but consider myself, for the most part, a self taught painter.  I married, left my photo job in Vermont and moved to western Massachusetts where I worked as an art teacher for a K/12 special education program. I found this very inspiring and spent a few years in the regional school system teaching art and mathematics.  

When I became pregnant with my son who is now 12, I left teaching and committed myself to a personal studio practice while balancing being a mom. When my son turned 3 an opportunity came up to head a local gallery which I ran for one year. I enjoyed it very much but it ate up most of my time and I missed having the time to paint.  I decided to leave gallery administration and rededicate myself to my painting process and studio practice while doing graphic design work on the side.  It is then I started showing my work seriously and eventually applying successfully for grants and residencies.

As my artwork began to go places I yearned to travel and go place too. I have been lucky to have been able to travel as an artist to residencies and for other projects. Most recently my work brought me on an exciting whirlwind trip where I visited Austria, Switzerland, and France. 

I can see how my path in life has informed my journey as an artist and interestingly enough also my artistic process. What I thought were random decisions and chance occurrences reveal themselves to be a logical progression that has brought me to the place I am today.

New Dimensions - Alicia Hunsicker

Terry - What mediums do you incorporate into your work?

Alicia - Over the years I have developed an interesting process for my work.  Initially I translate my ideas into preliminary “sketches” using digital photographic techniques and manipulation through computer software. Once I have arrived at a composition I feel passionate about I make a print in reverse. Bringing this print to a copy center, I then experiment with black and white xeroxing to play with scale. After deciding what size will deliver the strongest impact I prepare a surface and apply the “sketch” using an acrylic transfer process. I am then left with a black and white image on which to establish an initial layer of acrylic color. From there I build up the surface with oil paint using traditional techniques. My process opens up exploration into concept, imagery, and paint application, which allows me to grow and discover while painting.

Source Stream Alight - Alicia Hunsicker

Terry - What keeps you working?

Alicia - I don’t really see painting as working. For me it is a way of life. 

I choose to live simply so that I can continue exploring the big questions in life. I approach painting as a tool for self discovery and enjoy the ongoing dialog with the universe that I am participating with through my process. 

When I am painting I am able to attain a level of deep surrender and sense a profound connection with the divine.  I would even go as far as to say that painting is part of my spiritual practice.  Like the meditative process of a yogi or monk painting enables me to move from analytical thinking to an intuitive perception.  It expands my consciousness into bliss and clarity and allows me to see the deeper connections in life.

Terry - What art experience would you love to have that you haven't had to this point?

Alicia - I have become a huge fan of Golden brand paints the last two years. I especially love the liquid transparent acrylic paints.

I would love to be awarded a Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for theArts Residency, where artists participate in a completely unique opportunity to explore the widest, most innovative range of materials and technology available today for professional artists working with paint.

I have not yet applied for this but plan to for next year.  The deadline is in September....fingers crossed!

Studio

Terry - What does being an artist mean to you and what kind of  art/artists inspires you?

Alicia - Being an artist to me means following your inspirations and sharing your unique perspective of the world we live in.

What I admire most in an artist is a clear and unique voice, an artist that shows not only what they are being inspired by, but how they as an individual perceive and interpret it. I have reverence for artists that infuse their own spirit or soul into their work.  I do respect good painting technique as well.

Alicia Hunsicker in the studio

Here are additional links about Alicia and her work that will be coming up in the future:

‘Whole Terrain Journal’ a publication of Antioch University, Keene, NH.

A visual essay of paintings by Alicia Hunsicker on the theme Metamorphosis 

Curated and published by Whole Terrain is New England’s journal of reflective environmental practice is dedicated to the experience of those who have chosen the environment as the basis of their professional work. It cultivates reflective thought and mindful awareness in an effort to create a balance between humanity and the Earth.  http://www.antiochne.edu/wholeterrain/

‘New York Spirit Magazine’ Brooklyn, NY (either fall or winter issue)

Cover artist and editorial. 

For people who are passionately interested in personal growth and transformation on the East Coast.  http://www.nyspirit.com

Website: www.aliciahunsicker.com

Blogsite: www.aliciahunsicker.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alicia-Hunsicker-Visual-Artist/204911816210707

Wavelength - Alicia Hunsicker

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