Brent Witters
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Brent Witters
Artist Statement
Paintings: My painting method is an exploration of the material properties of paint. Series #58, Chemical Reaction Paintings, explores the various patterns created by the paint with particular interest in reaction-diffusion and morphogenesis patterns. Morphogenesis, the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape, provides a link between the primordial soup and life. These concerns with chemical reactions combine with more painterly notions such as color, material, depth, perspective and surface to create this series of paintings.
The paints and fluids used are primarily discarded materials. These create a link between the work and culture at large in a uniquely current and time period specific way. The colors were chosen by someone else prior to being discarded with much of the paint being used by someone in their home. Compositionally linear elements (man made) are juxtaposed with the organic forms in an intuitive way with a wide range of color pallets to create the final painting. I consider this series, like most scientific inquiry, a step forward towards an ultimately unknown outcome.
Test Blocks: After I find an interesting material reaction on paper, I then test the reaction on small wood blocks. If I feel in control of the reaction and am pleased with the results, I will use the technique in a larger painting.These individual blocks are considered prototypes for larger paintings. The nine blocks are then combined to make a single piece.
Bio
Brent has a B.S. in aerospace engineering. He lived in Omaha for a number of years and now resides in California.