Abstraction: Lettering
/I’ve designed myself a ten step programme over thirty days to move from Representational art into a personal language of Abstraction. To understand what I mean by that, be sure to read my blog The Language of Abstraction.
This is step eight: LETTERING
I’ve always kept a diary, been more interested in the lyrics than the music and always use writing as part of my creative process.
Words can be used in artwork hand-written, stamped or collaged. Letters and numbers as characters and shapes are beautiful in themselves, but also add to the poetry of a piece.
As with these examples from some of my favourite artists.
The written word can be seen as signposts for what is crucial or important, and also as a release from the artist’s consciousness.
A popular use of lettering in artwork is a practice called automatic writing. It was introduced to the abstract expressionists by surrealist André Breton who defined it as creating art through pure spontaneous thought.
This piece by Sarah Grilo is one of my favourite examples of how lettering can be incorporated successfully.
As with an intriguing title, including words in an artwork can reveal the subtext of the piece and add to its complexity. It can reveal or express the conflict present.
For me, in my work, words are often intrusive thoughts that I wish to expel; there is something powerful in writing the thoughts down that weakens them and prevents them from spoiling the joy of the creative expression.
When I first returned to making art after twenty years doing other things, I always began my pieces by scribbling prayers or meditations on the blank canvas. Not only was it effective in leaving my thoughts at the door and eradicating any fear of a new piece, but I also loved the notion that the finished artwork held within it a secret I only knew.
Techniques
Letters can be: written, stamped, stencilled, collaged, printed or applied with image transfer.
Different media can be: pastel, oil, marker pens, graphite, ink.
Methods of masking (including gelli plate), screenprinted gesso/ground, layering and water-soluble paints can be used to vary tonal value.
Although words and writing are an important part of my process, I’m not concerned with viewers being able to read it. I much prefer the mere suggestion, like a brief portion of an overheard conversation, a half torn note or the imprint of a message left. It can also have a graffiti-style; an anonymous, mysterious mark made.
It is clear to me however, that the writing comes early in the process. I like the notion that the act of painting quietens the intrusive thoughts and demotes them to the background. This is something I can study more in the next step.
Next up: Step nine is exploring LAYERING