| thursday
december 11, 2003
(Me: The Artist Formerly
Known As Anomious...) |
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" Piano At Christmas
"
1973
medium:
large pencil on primary tablet.
This early work illustrates the beginnings of a basic shaping aspect
of Glenn's art. It shows attention to shapes as well-defined
objects. In it we see the three major shapes of the triangle
(the tree, the tree base, and the boy's haircut), the
square/rectangle (the piano and the rug in front of the tree), and
the circle (the ornaments, the boy's torso, and his shoes). In
this care for definite form, one can see a shunning of earlier
non-descript works and a search for a firmer basis of style.
Also, this work shows a blossoming awareness of different spatial
aspects; with the obvious erasing of the two ornaments, Glenn is
illustrating a new knowledge of the workings of realism. |
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" Bull News "
1978
medium:
#2 pencil on scribble pad
With this watershed piece, the use of empty space reaches its height in Glenn's works. By using two almost
matching riggings in the upper corners, Glenn defines the large
space above the news desk as part of the work, rather than as a
disconnected area. In no other work does one encounter such a minimalist
touch. Also, this is the first work in which one
sees not only a confidence in the correct use of language, but also of
irony (the reference to Santa Barbara) and whimsy (the bull).
These two comedic elements will become his hallmarks in his later
work. |
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" Ghost Canner
"
1980
medium:
watercolor on construction paper
This
classic piece
brings all of Glenn's styles together with grace and boldness.
Although the blue structure on the right dominates the scene, the
counterclockwise movement of the ghosts focuses one's eyes on the
canner and the grinder, both of which are complex--and
complementary--shapes. Empty space is also addressed, yet
unlike previous works, Glenn allows space to go beyond the frame of
the piece; a feeling of suspension is accomplished with objects (the
conveyer belt and the blue structure) jutting into the field of
vision. And finally, of course, the humorous events depicted
here are the defining aspects of this masterpiece. |
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copyright 2003 by gja |
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