Here is my first attempt at the size 40 x 40 centimeters; 4 canvases that measure 40 mm in depth, and are built up with the same layers of oxidations and earth-colored stains as my larger works: each layer contributing to a complex patina, building depth and character:
The base layer provides a foundation of dark, moldy tones; bluish black and deep umbers. Subsequent layers introduce varying degrees of oxidation, creating a spectrum of rust-like hues ranging from burnt sienna to lighter ochre.
The resulting texture is tactile and organic. Rough patches contrast with smoother areas, mirroring the inconsistent way metals corrode in the natural world. Light plays across this uneven surface, highlighting ridges and crevices, further enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the piece.
This oxidation technique doesn't just imitate nature; it harnesses natural chemical reactions to create art, blurring the line between my own—the artist's—hand and the environmental processes. The deep earthy hues evoke a sense of time passed, of stories etched into surfaces by salty winds, rain, and sun.
Perfect for challenging the sterile perfection in a modern interior, or giving a romantic or baroque decor a much-needed edge.