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The process Kate uses to create a piece combines
painting and printing techniques. In a sense, she makes a monotype
and keeps the plate instead of the print. Part of the work is
done blind, and part of it is done with the glass held horizontally
over a mirror, which enables her to see the front of the painting
as she works.
She does not see the painting upright and from the front until
later, when it is dry and past the point of changing. In 2004
she began painting on both sides of plexiglass and incorporating
fused glass.
Some techniques require layering of paint; others are painted
all in one go. The media dictates that she works this way, but
it also suits her very well. Reverse glass painting is an ancient
art, apparently going back to the Chinese.
In Europe glass painting was a popular folk art and reverse
paintings were often used in cabinets, clocks and other furniture.
Some early modernists also experimented with glass painting,
notably Kandinsky and Nolde. Reverse painting is also used as
backdrops on movie and theatre sets.
Media used include ink, tempura, oils and acrylics. Her paintings
are painted on plate glass or plexiglass with One Shot enamel
oil paint, a highly fade resistant and brilliant, fast drying
enamel.
One Shot is an extremely durable paint used on motorcycle helmets
and car detailing. Her paintings are not fired. Kate's work
combines the accidental and the purposeful, chaos and control.
Because it is a fast drying media and errors cannot be painted
over once dry, she must work very quickly.
These characteristics-blind accident and control; speed and
delicacy; upside-down and backward-make the process dynamic,
mysterious and endlessly fascinating to her. |
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914
water street, port townsend, washington 98368 | telephone (360) 385-3630