SEAMED PAINTINGS
Conceptually Houston stitches white gessoed canvas (SKY) and the warm tones of the Belgian Linen (GROUND); the stitches pulled tight became the visual texture of the black spruce and tamarack along the horizon she imagines far in the distance. Positioning of the horizon line initiates the composition; the canvas is stretched and set for painting, clear gesso is applied to stabilize both materials. The ‘painted colour’ of the canvas meets the linen and begins the positive/negative composition. Unpainted areas create a tension between representational specificity and the space of unpainted canvas inviting the viewer remember and see.