I embarked on a series of eight paintings centered around the enchanting world of 'Alice Through the Looking Glass,' and these pieces were created on glass panels as reversed glass paintings. Amidst this endeavor, I simultaneously worked on a canvas measuring 40 x 60 inches. This canvas presented an opportunity to experiment with a novel technique that was inspired by my work with glass, and it led me to explore a new technological aspect of visual art.
One breakthrough in this artistic journey was mastering computer programs that allowed me to craft die-cut elements for use in collage. The intersection of space and time remained a constant theme in my art, and I continued to follow the mesmerizing Fibonacci logarithmic spiral as a guiding principle.
In this painting, time itself becomes a transformative element, altering the perception of the Cheshire cat as it seemingly disappears and reappears while one walks by the artwork. The reason the composition remains fluid, never static, is primarily because of the material I employed for the die-cut cat faceāthe Cheshire cat. It is crafted from a reflective and light-absorbent material, resulting in changes in appearance as viewers move past it.
Despite the unusual nature of the composition, the painting retains its underlying structure with the numbers of the Fibonacci sequence carefully aligned and complete. Each element was added in a thoughtfully composed order: Alice herself (1); an intriguing octopus (2); the introduction of the Cheshire Cat to their company (3); followed by the emergence of 3 plu 2 Chesire Cats (5); the moon cycles reading across the top (8); gemstone flowers with the oh OK OKir many stamens (13); and finally, an array of 21 flowers.
While it may appear visually unbalanced due to the cat's ever-changing presence, I anticipate that viewers of this painting will sense something intriguing happening with the numbers. This curiosity will stir within them, compelling them to pause and explore further. It is during this moment that the Cheshire cat will momentarily become still, and the essence of 'Alice in Wonderland,' 'Through the Looking Glass,' will fully reveal itself, if only for a brief yet enchanting instant.
- Collections: surrealism nyfa grant 7K possible