REBECCA ALSTON's Radiant, Absorbent, Insulator (12" x 36" x 3") is a three-square panel work of art assembled as one. The multicultural influences from Alston's travels to several countries were paramount in creating these three panels.
Update 5/24/2011
Rebecca Alston Studios is proud to announce that Alston's Radiant, Absorbent, Insulator sold for the highest bid at the auction, and went for the
highest bid of the Walter Anderson Museum's auctions' history.
INFLUENCES
Alston created two of the individual panels in her NYC studio and one abroad. The center piece, Absorbent, was created while working in the south of France. These works derive from a profound influence from time spent in Thailand observing temples and historic sites and experiencing the richness of the cultural diversity from Phuket, Bangkok to the Golden Triangle. While Alston has spent prior time in Asia for both professional purposes and pleasure, the Thai people have a different connecting free spirit unlike many of the other cultures.
TECHNIQUE
The unique textured and visual qualities of these works are attributed to the diverse materials used to make the medium, which include crushed garnet, a semi-precious stone; dental equipment, build up; pumice and contrasting gels and acrylic paint. These works contain multiple layers of media, each requiring an individual technique. Because of the temporal nature of the techniques, Alston has to work continuously until the completion of each layer. Each panel has a distinctive process, however when assembled together they create a natural flow within the visual language.
PERCEPTION
Alston applied and tooled the media with various instruments. The garnet is sometimes painted, but other times left in its natural state, which conducts natural light. Exposure to light is the most important aspect while installing one of Alston's garnet pieces. When placed in direct light, the media transcends to a higher luminous state. The optical experience features a drastic transformation according to the light. One collector installed a work of Alston's garnet so when she awakens, the painting takes on the characteristic of a resplendent glow. As the time of day changes, so does the optical experience.
- Perception is written by Peter Frank 2008
