In the process of reimagining

“As artists we get to reimagine things that might seem somewhat absurd or impractical.” Minnesota artist, Christine Baeumler, is referring to her recent project to put a bog on top of a roof at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. But I think her statement has larger implications: that as artists we can represent dreams and “unknown” experiences and places—a great goal for abstract art.

Baeumler’s aesthetic combines natural environments and art with a concern for ecology. She asks viewers to stop and look and think about their environment in a different way. Abstract art has that same potential, even though it first has to step out of the boundaries of representation and be accepted as a more direct experience, stimulated by color, shape, texture, and size. (Read more about Baeumler on the State of the Artist web page for The McKnight Foundation)

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I’m reworking a set of 4 cradled panels (12×12) that I sort of finished some time ago. I wasn’t quite happy with them—they seemed too simple and a little too accessible or empty. So they have been sitting for months on a table in my studio, looking at me. I’m finally getting back to them to add more layers, maybe to hint at childhood memories.

Here’s the first one:

the starting point–

and the rework so far–

I’m adding decals (made from old drawings of mine), soft pastel, and collage. I think it’s headed in a more interesting direction.