This project is not the typical type of mixed media work I have done. But then again, what is typical mixed media? My subject in this piece is my Papa. One of the themes I like to explore is the relationship between men, imparticular, men and their sons or grandsons. My Papa has meant a lot to me and has been a big influence on my life.
This piece was done in the summer of 2015 in Fredricksburg whiel taking a photography/ book making class. I was trying to challenge the idea of what a book really is. So, whether you believe it or not, this is a book. It tells the intimate story between a man and his family. It is a prototype and is purposely not finished. As you can see in the second picture, the back side of each little panel is a box. The idea was for myself and different family members to have pictures and objects that are a reminder of my Papa. I have even made tiny little books with quotes of things he would say or do with us as grandkids growing up.
The reason this piece is not finished is because my Papa still with us. As this piece evolved, it became more of memorial piece and just didn't feel right completing it. For me to complete this, I need to make a few changes and just haven't worked through those yet.
The plan is for this to be a series about the many great men I have known.
This was created by doing an original pencil drawing of my Papa. I then scanned this in to my compter and printed out on 6 different transparencies. I then used DASS supersauce to do the image transfers to the wood panels.
It is shown here hanging up against a wall. As a finished product, this will hang away from the wall, invting my audience to touch and feel the art. Books are meant to be read while holding them in your hand, and this is no different.
Original pencil drawing of Papa (left)
Papa and me at my wife's birthday party on Cinco de Mayo (right)