John Ferrell

Artist Statement

The “Grille” concept came together when stranded in a traffic jam of semi- trucks on the freeway outside of Reno Nevada. In the side mirror of the car , all I could see were the “ Grilles”of the semi-trucks. The bas- relief geometrical patterns on the wood panels(reclaimed hollow core doors) are the “Grilles” on which the work is developed. This surface is then used to apply the following; gunpowder, collage ,gold leaf, paint and stabilo pencil. Using these materials on the surface creates images out of random stimulus. These paintings subvert the standards of judgement integral to our understanding of abstract painting. The question” How was this done?” Is the inner vision, the viewers have when looking at the work. This allows the general public to become integrated into the process that is used to create the visual flow. The proletarian process used to create the paintings brings authenticity to the work.