by Brian Howlett
I generally prefer conversation to monologue. It occurred to me that a painting could represent more than one voice.
John Tarrant entered my studio to engage in artistic conversation and production. We talked. John is interested in Chinese calligraphy so I asked him to bring his calligraphy brushes. John began by painting a large character on each sheet of watercolor paper. "Buddha", "Compassion", "Cloud", "Rain", "Writing" appeared on the paper. John completed several characters in our first session. Looking at the Chinese characters image, color and form came to mind. Over the course of several weeks I'd work on each of the pieces with brush and watercolor paint. After painting new forms and shapes I invited John back into the studio. John and I would discuss how the addition of his writing could enhance the overall composition of the painting. John wrote poetry, conversation and story line directly onto the painting. After John finished writing I would fine-tune the composition. When we agreed that the painting was complete John and I signed each painting and applied our seals.
Working with John in the studio was productive and stimulating. Because the work with John Tarrant was successful I was motivated to invite other writers into conversation and collaboration. Currently I am working with Pat Nolan and Michael Rothenberg.
Auntie-Eno
Bodhi On The Mountain Seat
Last Night's Dream
Compassion
Guan-Yam AKA Avaloketeshpotato
Lake Biwa
Auntie-Eno Too
What ? ! ? !
No Means No
Bring Me The Rhino
All American Enso
That Which Cannot Be Helped
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