Adventures in Entropy

The paintings in this collection are experiments in entropy, a measure of uncertainty or randomness in a system as it moves from a state of order to disorder over time. Or at least, that is my simplistic understanding of it. The purpose of the experiments is to discover the differing rates of entropy among the wildly disparate elements comprising the "system," i.e., the painting.

These "systems" were created using media, materials, and methods without regard for established norms. Loose canvas, bed sheets. bolts of fabric... partial or no gesso preparation... every available variety of paint, ink, glue, fluid... stencils, stickers, papers, tapes, stamps, foils, yarns, threads, rub-on and iron-on transfers... 16mm & 35mm film... Dymo labels...

Part of my process was to handle the pieces without regard, again, for convention, which generally holds artworks precious, to be handled with care and respect. I intentionally did the opposite. I cleaned my brushes on the canvases, spilled coffee on them, crumpled them, laid them on the floor of my studio and walked on them, left them out in the rain.

I didn't keep track of the products and processes I used, so my "experiments" have zero scientific integrity. Moreover, I probably won't make any entropic discoveries myself, because I'll undoubtedly be long gone by the time my experiments yield any evidence. Like a parent whose children will most likely outlive them, I'll leave my paintings at the mercy of future generations. Who probably won't give a hoot, if experience serves.

Which is OK. I just needed to make the paintings. And here they are.