THE URBAN SERIES

Carll’s abstract work is based on the concept of urban erosion and explores the cycle of city life alongside nature. It is the observation of constant urban expansion that creates a push/pull of reconstruction within that natural cycle that moves Carll. Civilizations are built on top of each other creating a rich history of efforts to exist within this construct producing a process that requires constant maintenance to survive.

The Urban Series examines all aspects of this concept through color and balance with a birds-eye view and are built layer-by-layer as an examination of this conflict. Carll often uses discarded paintings and collage material on canvas or paper—re-purposing and creating new life out of past work. A careful study of structure along with attention paid to negative space completes Carll’s creative method. Carll combines painting, collage and mixed media within a multi-disciplined art practice using her own vocabulary to create powerful visuals that embody her unique vision of the world.

ABSTRACT COLLAGES & PAINTINGS

“As I quietly paint, I have both decisive moments and an earnest, listening eye. In the midst of this what occurs is chaos, serendipity, intuitive associations, nuance and reduction. Working with abstraction allows me to explore the boundaries between positive and negative space while combining unusual textures and different media. For much of my work, I begin the artistic process in Photoshop creating preliminary sketches derived from parts of previous work where I play with compositions and color. Initially, each piece is laid flat while I add and subtract subtle and intense color, as well as, exploring various types of heavy texture that enhance the interaction of paint, inks or collage material. Once color and chaos are achieved across the surface, the pieces then go up on my painting wall where I begin the reduction process. Through this method, I gradually build multiple layers that begin to form the foundation of the urban collages, grids, botanicals, harbors and still life’s.

I am fascinated with the push/pull of creating civilizations and nature taking them back. The urban collages begin with an intuitive combination of handmade papers, recycled calendars & periodicals, and designs created in Photoshop that are printed on acid free paper. For the grid paintings I begin by taping off the areas of the surface that interest me to begin the formation of urban streets as I build the composition between positive and negative space. The urban botanicals focus more on the relationship between natures relentless botanical growth in the nooks and crannies of urban architecture. I have recently added two new collections to the series with urban harbors and urban still life’s—both of these new collections have opened a new door to discovery either with boat and harbor imagery or the time honored exploration of still life’s.

The making of these paintings & collages is as much a physical experience as an emotional one. I embrace and process the nuances of this work and use the outcome as a vehicle to communicate a narrative about humanity in flux with the natural world that exists outside of language.”

~Anna Carll