"Controtendenza" Past Output example artwork

Controtendenza

19 Oct 21 by justatest

Increasingly squeezed by my diminishing workspace, I didn´t want to stop making the impractically large sized works that usually interest me. I thought I might make a piece that would take up little floor space but could exploit the available height in that dark grim studio.

I actually began a second support but in the end had to call a halt as there was not enough room to properly work. One day I hope to have a decent sized studio where I can finish this project.

— —

— —

The usual gesso´d jute surface was applied to the support piece but I got to thinking that I´d possibly end up having to store it outside and therefore needed extra protection against the weather. A thin aluminium shell might help there, although it would mean I´d have to buy lots of beer cans to cut up, and that´s thirsty work.
Here I´m testing applying the first can.

— —

Paper Over

— —

Unfortunately with the weight of all the layers of paper, gesso, jute and paint, it began to warp and topple over. I was forced to build a support piece to keep it upright.

— —

— —

*taking advantage to view outside while the car park is empty*

After applying a couple of coats of gesso.

— —

— —

— —

— —

— —

Controtendenza

To occupy a small footprint yet still utilize upper headspace, I was thinking of an open stack, accordion-like object (as in the sketch) but without the accordion´s flexibility.
The thought of it collapsing on itself did occur to me, and I carried on regardless.