Smoke Drawings

My Smoke Drawings are inspired by found objects (Egyptian paper cones). I use light, atmosphere and actual smoke to dissolve shapes and merge values; in effect creating a dialogue between tangible object and atmospheric dissolution of form. Intentional ambiguity creates a tension between the literal world and the abstract, allowing solid forms to evolve into washes of light and smoke. My subjects are expressions of physicality, while at the same time revealing a less tangible range of emotional possibilities. Pentimenti reveal the drawing process through transparent layers. Exposed (or excavated) areas of pentimenti leave shards of information that encourage the viewer to explore beneath the surface.

Ortaz 1
2017
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 2
2017
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 3
2017
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 4
2017
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 5
2017
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 10
2021
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w
Ortaz 11
2021
smoke, graphite, ink, coffee and mixed media
12"h x 9"w