PROPHETS
OF OUR DNA
"We Have More
In Common
Than Not"
CHAPTER TWO
"Our Challenges"
This chapter uses
3-D Bas-Relief Assemblages
known as "CONSTRUCTS"
to present a series of fluid
viewer-interpreted
messages.
CONSTRUCT
('KON • struct) | noun
• A physical thing which is
deliberately built or formed
• An idea or theory containing
various conceptual elements
(typically one considered
subjective and not based
on empirical evidence)
"THREE TO ONE"
60 X 37.5 X 6
"Creativity takes courage."
... Henri Matisse
"REFLECTIONS OF YOU AND ME #1"
72 X 46 X 4
"Each piece seems to be a request for understanding”
... Studio Visitor
"HEATWAVE #1"
31 X 37.5 X 3
(Detail)
"I can never accomplish what I want,
only what I would have wanted
had I thought of it beforehand."
... Richard Diebenkorn
"ALL OUR MUSES #1"
60 X 56 X 7.5
"Three dimensions are real space
and actual space is intrinsically more powerful and specific
than paint on a flat surface."
... Donald Judd
"MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE #1"
34 X 39.5 X 4
"Search. But in order to find other than what is searched for."
... Richard Diebenkorn
"SO YOU HAVE 99% OF MY DNA - YOU CAN JUST KEEP IT"
26.5 X 60 X 4.5
"I want a very ordered image, but I want it to come about by chance."
... Francis Bacon
"SAFE HOUSE #1"
45.5 X 66.5 X 10
"After college, I entered the world of residential construction.. That craftsmanship tradition of home-building is critical to my studio work.
A simple "House" icon may resonate with any viewer for various reasons - for me it is symbolic of that pivot-point in my creative arc and represents accomplishment.."
... Mark Gould
"A SECOND CHANCE #1"
48 X 60 X 5
"I believe my CONSTRUCTS give Forsaken and Found Objects -and myself-
a symbolic 'Second Chance'. Thus my quiet inclusion of 'Pairings' and/or the number 'Two' in certain of my compositions.
We all deserve a Second Chance.
I appreciate that notion as I’ve come to grips with the fact I won’t get a third."
... Mark Gould
"DO I VISIT YOU?"
29 X 54 X 6
• SOLD •
"The mystery lies in the irrationality by which you make appearance;
if it is not irrational, you make illustration."
... Francis Bacon
"LIFE IN MOTION - WHERE ARE WE GOING"
42 X 84 X 6
( Detail)
"The verb 'Abstract' literally means to extract, remove, or separate.
In this sense every visual artist is abstract
for they must create their work from personal visual impressions."
"THE HOUR FLOWS AWAY"
14.5 X 85.5 X 6
• SOLD •
"We can all view the same scene, but I will perceive a meaning no one else does,
simply because of the filter of my own unique life experience.
It is important to recognize that when we look, each sees something different.
My CONSTRUCTS are an articulation of this difference."
... Mark Gould
"WHITE WARNING ONE"
14.5 X 21 X 4
"In a sense I’m a thief.
I pilfer the hidden meanings of found objects,
then abscond with my audience’s personal connotations.
I run these stolen components through my own “visual chop-shop”
and build my CONSTRUCTS out of all this fresh plunder.
I’m always trying to stay one or two steps ahead of the law of visual boredom."
... Mark Gould
"TIME PASSES - SO DO WE"
57 X 30 X 4
Q: "Are these pieces anachronistic or overly sentimental?"
A: "Inclusion of a Found or Forsaken Object calls for a step back
into its often-unknown and ambiguous background.. This history can summon personal memories of past questions and decisions made
and of life-lessons learned.
Often this retrospect conveys a new level of prestige to that object when presented
through innovative juxtaposition, thus eclipsing any previous nostalgic limitations."
... Mark Gould
"THINKING FOR YOURSELF #1"
31 X 42 X 5.5
"My creative efforts allow a visual dialogue with my audience. I try to be respectful and serene with my CONSTRUCTS - perhaps even gracious to some degree.
But no one should ever see the brusque artistic battle of my "pulling the thorn out" - nor the absolute relief this brings."
... Mark Gould
EPILOGUE
I try to create works that eclipse walls,
transcend space,
and captivate any viewer's attention,
beginning with their first glimpse
and continuing after their exit from its presence.
Like any performer,
I seek to command my audience.
I want my work to linger
in their subconscious
for days and years.
I'm always asking myself:
"Is this the best I can do?"
"Does it deliver all essentials?"
"Is my audience elevated by my work?"
I think any good artist
continually asks some big questions
and hopefully provides answers.
| • | • | • | • |
TECHNICAL ORIGINS:
"CONSTRUCTS OF OUR LIVES"
A BFA as well as innumerable figure drawing & painting sessions
in concert with residential design/construction, furniture/cabinetry fabrication,
and eventually Museum Exhibition/Trade Show design & production,
all contributed to creation of my Constructs exhibition.
Various, wide-ranging sets of media and techniques are utilized:
• Assemblage of original/replicate artifacts & found objects
• Custom fabrication of required supports & vessels/containers
• Collage of photographs, text, etching, mono-printing & gicleé printing
• Traditional drawing/painting/sculpture.
Continual testing and revision
of new visual combinations
is not a choice, but a requirement.
My Constructs eventually emerged from this long-term, eclectic process.
