Gold Forest no.371
Acrylic Painting
Created by
Chris Wheeler
Wheeler's art is a combination of drawing, painting, and sculpting. The imagery comes from long-standing commitments to modernist conventions. The simplistic forms are an attempt to tap into the memories and ideas we all share. He's found his minimalist designs appeal to people on a primitive level.
Wheeler first starts by stretching handmade paper made of cotton, mulberry, and straw, on large 4'x8' boards. Medium body acrylics are then used to texture the surface, however, sometimes the paper is left in its natural color to add an organic element to the artwork. Each shape is then cut freehand giving the piece's crisp edges as well as organic character. Wheat paste that is shipped from Japan in powder form is boiled down with water and then pushed through a horse hair strainer to remove all fine lumps. The glue is then applied with a wide brush to the back of each piece and placed on the artwork making sure that all excess glue and bubbles are removed between each application. This technique is traditionally how antique shoji screens and scrolls are made.
Wood cradle.
Wheeler first starts by stretching handmade paper made of cotton, mulberry, and straw, on large 4'x8' boards. Medium body acrylics are then used to texture the surface, however, sometimes the paper is left in its natural color to add an organic element to the artwork. Each shape is then cut freehand giving the piece's crisp edges as well as organic character. Wheat paste that is shipped from Japan in powder form is boiled down with water and then pushed through a horse hair strainer to remove all fine lumps. The glue is then applied with a wide brush to the back of each piece and placed on the artwork making sure that all excess glue and bubbles are removed between each application. This technique is traditionally how antique shoji screens and scrolls are made.
Wood cradle.