I A N B U R C R O F F
a r t i s t s t a t e m e n t
My recent paintings involve a process of pictorial dissection. Each composition contains multiple visual fields representing a variety of pictorial impressions of places and objects: metaphorically relating these to broader themes.
By manipulating the structure of a painting in order to allude to the disparity of elements that form contemporary points of view, I hope to demonstrate the constraining impact of this diversity. Each painting is approached with a spirit of improvisation. Very little is planned or drawn. The images consist of fragmented concepts both real and imagined that give a sense of movement within a two-dimensional space. Information is layered and often stacked on top of patternsand color fields; creating rapid visual changes. Paint application differs in areas of the canvas; it can be additive or subtractive, painstaking or expressive. Each painting is carefully “built.”
The paintings evolve according to an individualized process that involves constant editing. This process relies on the intense hues, plasticity and quick-drying properties of acrylic paint. Each painting has layers and layers of painted imagery under the finished composition. This “editing” process feels naturalto me……and seems to heighten the tension within each composition. Eventhe smallest painting may take a month or more to complete. In terms ofhours spent working in the studio, each painting usually has 50 hours or moreinvested. These compositions are not easy to create. My process is difficult andintrospective; 10 paintings may represent 2 or more years of steady work. I paintone painting at a time until it feels finished.
By manipulating the structure of a painting in order to allude to the disparity of elements that form contemporary points of view, I hope to demonstrate the constraining impact of this diversity. Each painting is approached with a spirit of improvisation. Very little is planned or drawn. The images consist of fragmented concepts both real and imagined that give a sense of movement within a two-dimensional space. Information is layered and often stacked on top of patternsand color fields; creating rapid visual changes. Paint application differs in areas of the canvas; it can be additive or subtractive, painstaking or expressive. Each painting is carefully “built.”
The paintings evolve according to an individualized process that involves constant editing. This process relies on the intense hues, plasticity and quick-drying properties of acrylic paint. Each painting has layers and layers of painted imagery under the finished composition. This “editing” process feels naturalto me……and seems to heighten the tension within each composition. Eventhe smallest painting may take a month or more to complete. In terms ofhours spent working in the studio, each painting usually has 50 hours or moreinvested. These compositions are not easy to create. My process is difficult andintrospective; 10 paintings may represent 2 or more years of steady work. I paintone painting at a time until it feels finished.
