Series II
Vitrification
Turning stone into glass. Where the structured depth of the Stones Series gives way to something more fluid, more intuitive — almost focusing in on that original hum of Become.
Series II
Turning stone into glass. Where the structured depth of the Stones Series gives way to something more fluid, more intuitive — almost focusing in on that original hum of Become.
Vitrification is the application of energy to the stones, transforming them to glass. This is specific to my practice, but others are welcome to explore the idea. Whereas the Stones Series is very structured with layers of deep thought, the Vitrification Series moves more towards pure intuition and less internal dialogue while painting.
For Vitrification to occur, forms of energy are necessary to be in abundance. Being holds the electric charge. With Fire has the heat.
Vitrification III is the first OIRA painting — the point where Paintscape Photography transforms back to paint for the first time, completing the first full OIRA loop.
The Origin
Assemblage I & II — Theatre 1308, Calgary, Alberta
The Vitrification Series has its origin in the Cadavre Exquis chain — a collaborative show curated by Jeremy Giroux, musician, at Theatre 1308 in Calgary, Alberta.
In my part of Cadavre Exquis (part 2), I aimed to transform sound into imagery. The resulting images influenced solely by feeling and intuition, as I invited the musical piece to connect to something inside. Paint was applied to canvas in direct response — sound influencing colour selection, lines and brushstrokes appearing as the melody moved me. Instrumental solos flowing through the subconscious, influencing decisions to progress with the brushwork and composition.
The idea came to transform the Stones paintings to stained glass window format to participate in this event. It kept me on my path and also allowed me to meet the timelines. Time was short to complete the paintings so I needed to become more fluid with my technique. The idea came to make them like window frames due to the location of the show.
The pieces seem fitting for the beginning of the Vitrification Series — where we turn stone into glass and become more fluid in our creation. Being holds the electric charge and With Fire has the heat.
Assemblage I & II in the studio during creation
The Paintings
The Electric Charge
Sound transformed into imagery. Paint applied in direct response to music — sound influencing colour selection, lines and brushstrokes appearing as the melody moved through. A visual landscape created, waves and symbols appearing with fluidity. Something comes to be from the observation of sound.
Calgary, Alberta
Assemblage I — Being, in the studio lobby.
The Heat
The second piece in the Cadavre Exquis chain. The flame at the centre — an eye, a source, a point of ignition. Roots descending into darkness, a figure emerging from below. The heat required for Vitrification to occur.
In Progress
The First OIRA Painting
The beginning of the OIRA / Vitrification sequence — where Paintscape Photography transforms back to paint for the first time. Originating from Imagined Lands I (Surface of "Become"), this painting completes the first full OIRA loop: Stones IX → Imagined Lands I → Vitrification III.
OIRA™
Vitrification III is the first OIRA painting — the point where Paintscape Photography transforms back to paint, completing the first full recursive cycle. It is decided: the first OIRA painting will be added in to the existing series of stained-glass paintings from the Cadavre Exquis chain.
Read the Manifesto