"Ocean And Me Book Sculpture?" Mixed Media Canvas 30" x 24"

 I did this work a few years ago  while taking an art class at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Part of the assignment was to add a "book as a work of art" to the project.  Another part of the assignment was to do a "self Portrait"  If you look closely you will see me taking a photo of this piece in the mirror. I am not sure how this "torn and weathered book" morphed into and "ocean and book sculpture".  All I know is when I start a project I have and idea and it is always a vague one. The art usually "dictates" to me where it "wants to go".  This piece certainly took me on a wild, glorious,  fun filled ride!

 Not sure why I painted on the back of this piece.  While I was putting on the hanging wire I thought the white canvas on the back was boring.  I decided to paint a quick ocean study.  Much fun to have a painting on the back and a "sculpture" on the front.  I wonder how many works have paintings on the back of them?

 This photo shows the mirror reflection of my pen and ink self portrait.  I like the mirror in this work so not only would the viewer see my image while looking at the piece but an image of themselves as well.

This photo is a closer look at the bottom right corner. The variety of colors and textures can  be seen better along with the hanging three little "kaleidoscope" pieces.  These three little items enable the viewer to look at the painting in very "hippyish late sixties"way. While looking through them the art is distorted, magnified, multiplied and so much more. They also make the "sculpture" look like it is moving. A very "psychedelic" experience. Much fun.  Too bad I couldn't take a photo while using these devices to show you.

I hope others enjoy this work as much as I loved making it.

Peace.

Michael