Lisa McCutcheon
San Anselmo, CA
Website
lisamccutcheon.com
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
There are a variety of elements that go into my work. This includes photography, drawing and painting, constructing, deconstructing and layering to create a fluid space where all these things co-mingle.
I am interested in creating a harmony- but also tension- among these differing elements. While much of my imagery is photo-based and therefore representational, my interest really lies in deconstructing lot of this to a level of obscurity while allowing for the notion of recognition. There are clear moments of recognizable hydrangea pedals or close-up images of feathers, for example, in each piece. Yet I attempt to conceal some of this by adding cut-up snippets of drawings and paintings and swathes of pure color to bring the work back to abstraction. Moreover, there is the importance of negative space in my work. Because of the abundance of imagery in each form, allowing for a vast amount of calming space is paramount.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my deep observation in the natural world within the perimeters of my home. This even includes the beautiful feathering on the chickens I raise as pets.
But when it comes down to making the work, the inspiration falls to the materials and the constant balancing act of loading each form from my material stockpile almost to the point of losing any notion of composition, then reeling things back. Straddling this line is always exciting.
Can you speak about your process?
My process begins with taking hyper-close up photographs of flowers, roots, chicken plumage to name a few and then I have those images digitally transferred to a type of sheer-like fabric. I also paint or draw on semi-transparent mylar. Then I go through a process of cutting up these materials. Sometimes randomly and at other times very precise to a particular piece. All of my work is on paper.
How did you become interested in art?
My mom was a painter. She had attended the Chicago Art Institute. From childhood onward, she cultivated this love of art in me.
Do you have any favorite artists, books, movies, or quotes?
Georgia O’Keefe was perhaps my earliest influence.
Favorite artists include; Darren Waterston, Carrie Moyer, Barbara Takenaga, Liza Lou. Recently, I am loving looking at the ceramics of Tony Marsh. I am sure there are dozens more I could list.
