Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Age of Paint


Like some alcoholics who are periodic drunkards, I let my passion for paint run freely for the time being. The needle goes cold in these periods, but never mind, it will be picked up when the time has come. You may have wondered (if you saw the series I showed as a guest blogger on Rayna Gillman's blog) why I work mostly on black. Does this show that I'm in a critical phase of life or depressive? Well, I started painting on black when I was 3 years old and had my first paintbox. My access to black was positive. It provided the perfect background for dreams, it gave an amazig brillance to my favourite colors . The color cups in my paint box containing yellow, white and light green were the first to be empty. My mother generously provided a new color box, everytime one was up -- and they did not last long. I remember how thrilled I was when I received a larger paintbox with names of the colors for my 8th birthday! Indian yellow, raw umber, turquoise -- only apple pancakes could have pleased me more.
Painting on a black backgroud, you can make something rise ever so softly out of the dark, whereas on white it is in the limelight right away. I love the process of letting something secretly emerge from the depth of space, just like dreams and thoughts do.

9 comments:

Ms. said...

Your blog got fixed. Good1 That's the best explanation I've heard about using black--to begin allowing images to "rise up--as from a dream", and about the way color intensifies on that base.

Els said...

Eva, I só much love your vibrant colours !! "Der Schrank" made me think a bit of the Dutch painter Jopie Huisman who painted (véry accurate) old coats and things ...
I sure recognize these flings about cloth, or paper, or paint ... ;-)

Unknown said...

I love your paintings on black, and the memory of getting new paints as a child! Apple pancakes,too, sound delicious and I amy have that for breakfast this weekend. Happy day, sus

Yael said...

I just LOVE them Eva - but that is no surprise since I do love everything you paint, sew, embroider, photograph - create... the whole wonderful artist in you!

Karen S Musgrave said...

Eva, I love these. You are amazing! It's good to know that I am not alone when it comes to the fiber muse resting while I paint. Hugs.

MulticoloredPieces said...

Just so beautiful. Have you thought of doing an art quilt version? I'd love to see these interpreted in fabric.
best, nadia

Hoola Tallulah said...

It has never occured to me to work on black, I love your take on itand it really makes the painting pop. Beautiful work!

Deborah said...

I love the colors you use!

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, Eva. Sorry to hear you had blog problems, but glad they're fixed. Love your paintings. And your mobiles are really cool.
best, nadia