In the 1970s, minimalist artist Donald Judd moved to Marfa, Texas, where he created giant works of art beneath vast desert skies
I’m back from a week in West Texas and the beautiful Davis Mountains. One of the best parts of the trip was visiting Marfa and connecting with minimalist artist Donald Judd’s vision. There’s a great NPR article about this – click here. I love the quote by sculptor Campbell Bosworth – “You just come out here and you feel like, I want to make something; I want to do something!”
Maybe it’s the minimalist influence, but it must be true. The Marfa getaway ignited my creative curiosity, and as soon as I got back, I went into the studio and started working in black and white on an experiment with black substrates and beeswax.
I wondered what would happen to the translucent layers of beeswax when they were applied over a dark background.
I used an absorbent black paper and added some white markings with different kinds of media – crayon, stamps, paint:
I added a layer of beeswax – it made it kind of glossy, and did penetrate into the paper, which had been a concern. You don’t want it to just sit on the surface of the substrate:
More experiments – black and white (and a bit of walnut ink):
Like all experiments, some of the techniques worked well, and some were definitely “learning opportunities.” But there is a certain potential for interesting effects that are both chalk-like and smokey. I am going to push these ideas a little further and see what develops (like old black and white film).
Now that I’ve been “Marfa-ized” and infected with some new ideas, it looks like I may be spending more time at the studio, perhaps even developing a wax on black workshop!
Haven’t made it yet, but will. I know what you mean by inspiration. Glad you had a good trip!
Let us know when you’re going – I have tips!
Really fun to see, Lyn. And you’ll be more in the strudio!!! Can’t wait to seewhat you’ll create.
You know how much black and white I do. Usually black on white but also black with white.
Did a bunch of digital images last week with mostly black – and white – and then color added. It was interesting and I like the effects.
Have a ton of joy playing.
Loved the images that you sent!!
I’ve been to Marfa multiple times & I love the wide open space & light. As for Donald Judd, I’m still not sure “I get it”. I always chuckle a bit & wonder if artists in that genre were telling an inside joke.
Maybe – but when I stood in that west Texas field and looked through Judd’s concrete structure that framed the spare landscape, it made me appreciate it in a new way!
Your experiments are beautiful, I always love your work!
Lorrie, thanks so much ♥♥♥
LOVE this, you are so creative. I have the travel bug right now.
We should organize an Art League/Coppini road trip!!
This is extraordinary to learn of! I never new of such sculptures in Texas. The Bees wax produced stunning results outside my anything I imagined.
Thanks, Adam – always so good to hear from you ♥
I was pleasantly surprised by the white and wax on black results during your workshop … great to see you pushing the envelope.
And the NPR link about Marfa led me to submit my own “favorite art town” narrative about Wimberley.
Thanks, Liz – and how cool to find that link to submit your own art town. Who doesn’t love Wimberley?? So many wonderful galleries and artists – yay!