Nature and the influence of technology are the inspiration for my work. Transformation and mutability are recurring themes and are often depicted through the distortion of the subject or variations within a series of paintings. An accumulation of informational fragments, both organic and manufactured, are components in creating often visually complex paintings that address our discordant relationship with nature – one of great admiration but a desire to manipulate and control it.
My most recent paintings are on birch wood panels, which I paint on directly so the pigment is absorbed and is integrated with the surface. Collages and maquettes comprised of digitally manipulated photos, laser prints, technical and architectural drawings, metal, wire, branches or feathers are the materials that inform and provoke my paintings. Often, found objects such as string, wire mesh, or even a potato sack are used to make monotypes contributing to the heterogeneous nature of the work.
While my work is based in representation – the liquefied, manipulated or fragmented images take on surreal and even abstract qualities – creating ambiguities, which invite a dialogue for interpretation. These characteristics are inherent in the work of early and mid 20th century artists for whom I have an affinity and continually referencing in my paintings.
Website: rporazinski.com