Word Tattoo

I invite you to join me on a journey to explore memories of the future.

a blog by john-michael korpal

FISHY FISHY…

Posted on by johnmichael

The cool rainy weather is not working in my favor lately during “studio time” as it is not conducive for oil paint to dry. So as I work on this piece I have experienced moments of working effortlessly for hours and then days go by and I sit in the chair across from the easel watching it…almost as if I am waiting for the moment when the central fish turns his face to me and starts talking. I am certain that there are great insights he wishes to share with me, maybe even some ideas of how this painting will move forward. I sit and wait…attentively.

 

I always find it fascinating stepping back and watching as the paint dries, as it matures the colors change slightly and the intensity of the paint deepens, as the glossy glare of the painted surface becomes less and less. The image below is proof that a wet canvas does not always photograph well. I include this only as a tease to give an idea of what I have been working on in the studio. But is not the best representation of what the canvas looks like in real time… as I said, it is a teaser.

 

The big chunky elements are in place and details are added when I can as I work around the areas of wet paint, which I have to admit, is a challenge.  The next step is to work on the red rocks in the landscape and drop in some more details. This will be the focus for this upcoming Monday, as the canvas should be dry enough to accept more paint without blurring the colors together. I will keep you posted as this processes evolves…and who knows there might be another canvas started to work on during the drying periods of this one…one never knows!

 

Lets have a little fun here…

A contest to name the central brown trout in the painting…any ideas?

If you have a good name for him/her, please post it in the comments section below.

I might turn the answers into a future blog post.

 Trout 5-23-13

The Recycled Self ~ Looking In The Mirror Of Introspection

Posted on by johnmichael

The past three weeks have been about fine-tuning everything necessary to apply for art/gallery shows. So far it has been a month of exploring how my artwork informs my psyche and exploring the image of myself reflected in the mirror of introspection. I have asked myself endless questions and spent hours writing about myself in first and third persons about my artwork and how everything is interconnected. In retrospect, I learned many things examining my body of work as a whole and then breaking it down into smaller subcategories and then seeing how things changed again as I view each as an individual piece. The questions include the few I have posted below, but in total there were more than 45 of them.

 

How is my artwork similar? Different?

Is there a common theme or elements that are presented?

What is it I want people to walk away with after viewing my artwork?

How has my artwork evolved over a particular span of time… years, months, and weeks?

How does the artwork affect me and what feelings do I associate with each one of them? (In a group setting and as an individual piece)

How has this reaction changed as time passes?

 

Now, I am certain that you would love for me to answer all of these questions for you, as it would allow you great insight into my artwork.  (Maybe that will be a topic for future blog posts.) The one thing that I can comment on is that I have discovered that everything evolves or recycles itself. In one form or another, it goes through full phases until it returns back to where it started… but yet it is forever changed. I have come to understand that my artwork has the ability to constantly inform me so new growth can take place. Over time I have been able to create a copacetic relationship with my artwork. Even if at times we fight with each other…all is good.

 

Although, the most radical thing I have learned this month is the value of the “question” and the correct way to ask it. This knowledge has changed my approach considerably as I have modified the techniques I use to ask people questions. The answer is not always as important as the manner in which it is presented. It is more vital to ask the correct question that will facilitate the answer be in a form that can be utilize as nutrients for growth in my artwork.  I also use questions to help inform me personally about my artwork and how it is perceived through the eyes of others. This helps me to determine if I am effectively communicating my thoughts and ideas through the use of my chosen medium.

 

I want to make it very clear that I am not trying to make a person feel one way or another with my artwork or that I even have any control over that. The most important thing for me is that the individual experiences some type of reaction; any emotion that is expressed is completely up to the individual.  I am even comfortable with the fact that some people will not like my artwork and that is ok, not liking something is still a reaction and I welcome that. We all have diverse likes and dislikes that is what makes each one of us unique!

 

I offer my artwork as portals that peer out into a different world, one that is free flowing from a constant state of imagination. I want to give the viewer permission to explore and observe in a unique manner that they may not have chosen to investigate otherwise.

 

This is my personal goal as an artist.

 

 

 

Who Is Your Favorite Artist?

Posted on by johnmichael

So today I offer a different type of post then what I normally create. This post is a question for you to explore….

 

Who is your favorite Artist and how does their expression of art speak to you?

 

This can be an individual or a group working in any medium, it can be a Painter, Sculptor, Dancer, Performance Artist, Vocalist or even a Writer.

Post your answers/comment in the comment section under this post.

 

My response is although I have many artists that I pull inspiration from. I always have a favorite, lately it has been René Magritte ….and why

I am very drawn to the surrealism painters and more specifically René Magritte. I find his use of common object presented in a dissimilar setting opens a door for individuals to explore how one can view the world through different eyes. This asks the individual to investigate how the particular placement expresses ideas/ concepts using what is visually presented. It creates an opportunity for a dialog about how we all perceive things differently, because of what we bring to the moment. I also like the fact that often these paintings encompass more of a dreamscape reality. This is something that I strive to convey in my paintings I like that fact that my work causes people to ask questions and maybe view something in a different light then they did before. There is nothing wrong about asking questions. It is a wonderful way that we can learn more about each other.

 

The Son of Man René Magritte

The Son of Man
René Magritte

So now it is your turn, tell me about your favorite Artist.

 

A Moment In The Life Of A Painting

Posted on by johnmichael

Just wanted to share what has been happening in the studio this month. Most of the larger components are in place. The next step is to work out the individual details of each one; most of what you see is under-painting, except for the road that is mostly done. I also need to explore concepts for the background. I have some ideas but nothing seems to feel correct.

 

I must admit this is becoming a very fun piece to work on; there is just a touch of humor in the composition even though the concepts behind it are of a more serious nature, it makes me smile. I always find it interesting that when I do paint living things I find that they start to take on their own unique personality as I continue to develop them.

 

All has been going well on this piece so far as the paint and canvas have been playing along nicely with me and I have encountered only minimal conflicts. So all is good… at least so far.  I did find that doing the research on fish was very helpful. It helped me understand the fish on different levels allowing me to “feel” the fish more when I was placing their shapes on the canvas allowing me to understand them more as three-dimensional. The next challenge is to work on the detail of the scales and create the sense of translucence that the scales contain in real life. It just means layers and layers of glazes to create the depth of color. This will be a new technique for me, so I am looking forward to having the canvas teach me something new and exciting.

 

So I leave you today with a current image of the painting that I took this morning. I have hopes of spend some quality time with it tonight. Maybe next week I will have other images to post.

 Fishy 5-9-13

Have an amazing creative day!

 

 

Color ~ What does it mean to you?

Posted on by johnmichael

I remember years ago in art classes they would teach various forms of Color Theory and its components, including the physical and psychological elements. I learned how to analyze a color to understand what elements it contained and how to reproduce it.

 

There was also the subcategory where you would explore what colors meant to individual “famous” artist. For example, what did the color red represented for Henri Matisse or the color green for Piet Mondrian. What meaning did they attach to them and what did they desire to convey to their viewers through the use of them?

 

In Maria Popova’s article “Goethe on the Psychology of Color and Emotion” She investigates the meaning of the brightness of a color but also explores the concept of a color possessing an element of “darkness” She expresses these thoughts through the ideas and writings of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who in 1810, published Theory of Colours,

 

I have to admit that for me this article was completely fascinating. Everyone has a different idea of what each color represents by their associations or memories connected to them … and sometimes it is just as simple as… they used it because they really liked it.  I like the concept that a color has a brightness / darkness quality.  I know for myself that there are certain colors that I have always been attracted to and use in my palette often.  Each one is used to create a particular feeling or reaction and sometimes it is the combination of colors that help to convey an emotion or thought.

 

I can remember years ago when I was working with blind & deaf individuals they would often describe to me how they could tell the difference between colors by the way that they felt. They could differentiate if it felt warm or cool because a color would either absorbed heat or reflected it. It always amazes me how there are so many different ways to experience something.

 

Everyone experiences color differently: sight, feeling, smell or even taste.

 

What does the color Orange mean to you?

What feelings or memories does it generate for you? 

 

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Posted on by johnmichael

I wanted to dedicate today’s blog to the many other blogs and green friendly sites that I enjoy. Their focus is geared towards recycling and wonderful advice in how to lessen our carbon footprint.

 

You will find these blogs are filled with great ideas and information that will help in the pursuit of a green friendly approach to life. So sit back and take a moment to explore and support these sites as they do a wonderful job in helping to educate and support groups involved in confronting environmental issues… and of course some of these sites educate with the use of recycled objects used in artwork.

 

This is just a small list of sites out there. To learn more go to your local recycling center to find out ways that you can create a more green friendly environment!

 

Everyday Trash

Trashmanian Devil

Planet Green Recycle

Tree Hugger

World Changing

My Zero Waste

250px-Recycle_symbol_Taiwan.svg

Creative Process ~ Something is Fishy

Posted on by johnmichael

I am back in the studio this noon, after a nice relaxing morning of catching up with a good friend over coffee.  I realize that I need to get out more often and spend time with my friends.  It helps to maintain balance in my life…all work makes me boring.

 

There is a new canvas on the easel. Surprise surprise! I wanted to share this with you… but not willing to share much of the details … at least not yet. But I will tell you that it will involve fish.

 

Below is the tease image!

 

I am reading “The Life Story of The Fish~ His Manners and Morals”, by Brain Curtis. I am learning and exploring everything about fish. I am learning how they live/survive, the bone structures and even how the scales are constructed and can be an indication as to how old they are. I want to be able to paint the fish from the inside out understanding why they are the way that they are.  I spend many hours doing research for my paintings I want the fish to feel real and make you wonder when it will jump off the canvas at you.

 

There is truth in the saying  to understand “something” you need to become that “something” even if it is only in your mind. I remember when I was in high school in my Drama Class the teacher told us that we needed to become the object to understand why it acted in the manner that it did.  To become a table or the chair… to explore how it would it feel to be these objects? How would it feel to be something that was alive maybe a snake or a bird?  That you needed to become the elements that affects the object. If you have to understand what it is like to be cold, explore what it would feel like to be snow or ice.

 

What would it feel like to have to swim instead of walk?

 

What would it be like to have gills and not breathe air?

 

What would it feel like to have no muscles in your face?

 

 

The fish are just one element of this painting… but this gives you a tiny insight into what happens in the creative process of one of my paintings.

I will keep you posted as the canvas informs me.

 

Good things come to those who bait.  ~Author Unknown

 

studio 4-29-13

‘Define Me’

Posted on by johnmichael

Yesterday a friend sent this to me and I thought it was such a beautiful song with a very powerful message! I wanted to share this with you.

 

But, I also want to you to take a moment and think of how you have allowed the words of others to “defined you”?  We have all had moments in our lives when the words from someone emotionally affected us. This video is a good reminder that the words and labels one uses can have the ability to cause great damage. Choose your words carefully as not to cause harm.

 

Click below to view video…

 

‘Define Me’ – Ryan Amador (featuring Jo Lampert)

 

Happy Earth Day

Posted on by johnmichael

I am beginning to think I am the only person that can look at a pile of trash and suddenly see art supplies manifesting before my eyes. Today is a great day as the sun is out and it is a beautiful spring day. Happy Earth Day to YOU!

 

All I wanted to do today is run outside and create art.  Walking around the neighborhood I see so many things lying on the ground that inspire me.  Colorful caps and lids and even natural elements such as twigs and bark all different objects that speak to me.  Begging me to pick them up and take them home to become part of a future art project.  Spring seems to the perfect time for harvesting art supplies.

 

I have always used recycled elements in my works, sometimes the objects are used physically and other times they are used more metaphorically or used as inspiration.  So just because you may not always recognize them in the artwork… they exists, either  disguised or in spirit.  So next time you are looking at one of my pieces of artwork, take a moment and see if you can figure out what the recycled elements are.

 

The perfect day for Earth Day!

I am curious what you have you done  today to celebrate. Please share in the comments section below if you so feel inspired to. Thank you in advance.

 

We hold the power to make a difference!

 

Earth-Day1