Austin Buckingham

Artist Statement

I am inspired by the the California Modern movement of 1930-1965, explores design in art. Large scale polytych and individual works interrogate color, line and form to present a mid-century modern aesthetic.

STATEMENT
This quote 'A Life Without Design is Erratic' from the Stoic philosopher, Seneca, refers to the trajectory of our human existence; but I also take its meaning to apply to the 'life' of an object that the artist has brought into being.

Design and art share the same fundamental creative visual principles: Shape, color, line, contrast, balance, rhythm, etc. Design and the utilization of space is something that I am always evaluating and noticing. For me, an erratic and thoughtless space is anathema to a good life. Our environment and the art in it enhances the tranquility and beauty of the space we occupy. To my eye, elegant design and simplicity require a beautiful line and a cohesive communication between object and empty space. Good design breathes, invites and excites yet provides ease and comfort. We can 'rest' in these spaces. I think of a visual art object like music; it has pace, notes stretched out, and silences that we can fill with our own thoughts.

MA: THE SPACE IN BETWEEN
The Japanese concept of Ma ( ?) is a philosophical concept of the space between the edges, between the beginning and end, the space in between, literally meaning gap, space, or pause. I am interested in not only creating the art object which are comprised of line, color and form, but also presenting the negative spaces where we wander and rest.

THE PROCESS - MONOTYPE
A monotype is a form of printmaking using an etching press just like the one used by other printmaking disciplines. However, as distinguished from the other printmaking disciplines, the resultant monotype is unique and original, in the sense that a painting is unique and original. Mono(type) means one. There are no editions, copies or reproductions. All art mediums have limitations of one sort or another. Monotype printmaking generally provides a very graphic depiction of shapes. Most monotype printmakers find ways to augment the artwork with various techniques and processes; such as combining printmaking with chine colle, collage, painting, watercolor, photography and other printmaking disciplines into a single print. Because creating line is a particular challenge to monotype printmaking, I like to use charcoal, india ink and graphite to draw directly onto the paper. I also use techniques such as diluting the ink with mineral spirits and burnt plate oil, scratching or smudging ink, and using stamps to create shapes. The resultant Monotype is a singular creation that can not be reproduced.