Tag Archives: sol lewitt

Typographic Portrait: Research research

From the previous post, I mentioned my attraction and interest on the technique of News Overprint. So this post will hold a slightly in-depth portion on my research throughout the project.

More inspiration pins on Pinterest @ https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/news-overprint-inspiration/
More inspiration pins on Pinterest @ https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/news-overprint-inspiration/

 

(above) I used these images as an example of how I could incorporate designs into my own book page.

 

https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/typography-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/typography-inspiration/

 

(above) I used these images to help me have an idea how I want to make the typography stand out within the designs in the book page. I thought alot of contrast between bold and light, negative space etc.

 

https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/sol-lewitt-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/sol-lewitt-inspiration/

 

(above) I refer to Sol LeWitt’s wall drawing line works to see how I could portray my personality by using just lines.

 

There are other resources that I came across with that I found to be interesting to add on as an inspiration:

The third image uses the same word throughout the work “HA”. The bold effect allows one to actually see what the message is, with its background faded.

 

The 2 images below consists of Pinterest research on artist Kurt Schwitters on his collage works and the technique of Ephemera:

https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/kurt-schwitters-collage-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/kurt-schwitters-collage-inspiration/

 

https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/ephemera-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/ephemera-inspiration/

 

Continuing research on ‘Connecting Lines’ — I wanted to look further from Sol LeWitt’s line works, example: on how I could use these lines to form shapes or typography?

https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/connecting-lines-inspiration/
https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/connecting-lines-inspiration/

 

And after these research, I’d try it out myself to see if it suits with the vocation or personality I chose.

#throwback: Other artists

Besides Agnes Martin, I actually looked up on Ed Moses and a little bit on Sol LeWitt. So I went to the ADM library and borrowed these books (see below) for further reference.

Although the research of these 2 artists are brief, I managed to get some information about them and their techniques.

First of, we have Sol LeWitt.

2D Lines - Monoprint (16)  21lewitt_portrait_original

Sol LeWitt is a leading figure of Minimalism and pioneer of Conceptual art. LeWitt’s work is characterized by serialization, repetition, and progression, exemplified by his iconic open-grid structures. LeWitt’s wall paintings are just about the same as Agnes Martin, lines are mathematically drawn. In LeWitt’s case, once he does the calculations and planning, he would get his assistants to carry out the work for him with specific instructions.

As you can see here, assistants does the work instructed by LeWitt.
As you can see here, assistants does the work instructed by LeWitt.
Installation of the wall painting. Accurately drawn by hand following specific instructions by LeWitt.
Installation of the wall painting. Accurately drawn by hand following specific instructions by LeWitt.

I actually watched a documentary before about LeWitt’s art techniques and how he works in the industry. They actually showed his assistants working on the installation — not 1 or 2, but at least 4 people working on a wide wall.

Next, Ed Moses, the artist.

[CLOSE UP] Monographs of Ed Moses (and the process of his art-making) by Radius Books.
[CLOSE UP]
Monographs of Ed Moses (and the process of his art-making) by Radius Books.

Venice Mag 1_EMAIL

I considered myself lucky to have found the book (see above) in the ADM library. Although the weight was a total burden, I had to do what I had to do for research — BORROW IT!

In the book contained bits and pieces of the artist, his artworks, and FAQs. I admit I was solely interested in his artworks besides anything else. But I picked up a few information from the book as well.

Ed Moses…..

  • Prefers taking risks, moving beyond what he already knew
  • Focuses on profound possibilities and challenges of abstract painting
  • Thinks that painting is an adventure whose ultimate reward is knowledge of self

Techniques

  • Mainly uses watercolours for his paintings
  • Multi-coloured to monochrome
  • Structure of diagonal & parallel lines
  • Early paintings formed by a grid
  • Concept of “Playing with Chaos” — painting without rules or preconceived compositional goals
  • Works on both sides of the canvas, allowing bled through ghosts from one side to prompt composition painted on unusual materials with unusual tools

Interesting information of his techniques are actually the materials he used for his artworks. As stated above, he uses unusual materials like raw mahagony and unstretched canvas; unusual tools like long-handled mops, sponges and squeeges, besides normal rollers and brushes.

(There’s more…)

Moses also used….

  • Translucent, light-reflecting materials — unstretched canvas, powdered pigment, resin, off-white drafting tissue and Rhoplex
  • Paint with spray gun — using insoluble mixtures of oil paint, acrylic & shellac

Here are some snapshots of his artworks from the book. (I should have done proper citation of the images. My bad!)

2D Artist Ed Moses (20) 2D Artist Ed Moses (23)

LOOK AT THE GRADIENT!
LOOK AT THE GRADIENT!

 

Most of the time when I continued to flip the pages, I was in awe with how contrasting and bold Moses’ artwork are.

In conclusion with these 2 artists, I mainly looked at their artworks for inspiration and motivation to continue coming up with whatever I have at the back of my mind. I didn’t really plan to follow this artist to that type of art piece, I just do without thinking. Then when Prof Ina mentioned mine had some of Agnes Martin’s work in the monoprint etc, I was like…… “really?”

Funny how I didn’t even realised that!