| ROTHKO SERIES II |
| JILL HOFFMAN-KOWAL |
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| ABSTRACT
MINIMALISM |
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| PASTEL ON PAPER |
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| The art I have created over a 35-year career continues to evolve and is evident by a new series of work every 2 – 3 years.
2008 was a turning point from the “Element Series” (homemade acrylics and oil pastel on 300lb paper) to a successful series honoring my most inspiring artist/painter, Mark Rothko. This effort took years of different attempts and experiments and finally I discovered my own method that worked, being consistent with my esthetics, processes, and sensitivities.
As simple as these works appear, it is challenging, temperamental, and labor intensive. Its’ simplicity is created by a complex process of layers, finesse with my hands and proper choices of papers and materials.
I intentionally titled this body of work the “Rothko Series” as I believe it is important to be direct about my inspiration. However, in the development of the works, they have become very much my own, with a personal, tactile and passionate result becoming a natural progression in my entire body of work. I did use some of Rothko’s compositions and color schemes, and some I created with my own color combinations.
The process begins by choosing the appropriate paper, which ranges from delicate pastel paper to 300lb arches watercolor paper. A layer of soft pastel is applied and then another and another; not one section is a simple application of one color. A protective coating is applied throughout the process and again at the very end. Approximately 20 – 30 hours are spent to complete one piece. The material is somewhat toxic, so I wear gloves, sans fingertips, and a mask while working, continuously washing my hands. I run an air purification unit constantly, along with cleaning the work area often.
Rothko had a way of making minimal paintings full of emotion and energy. His color combinations are very challenging and unique. The only way to get colors to have depth and substance is to apply layers of various colors, blending and nurturing with my fingertips, and having control of the materials.
Bravo! To our master artists who have inspired and challenged many of us to rise to their level of integrity and through their dedication mastered their own skills leaving their legacy for us to learn from. |
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