The story of this piece really begins at Leo Adams’ house in Yakima, Washington. I need to pay tribute. Leo Adams lives a rich life as an artist, and he inspires artists in his community. I am one of them. I belong to the organization Northwest Designer Craftsmen, and Leo has graciously opened his home to our group several times. I always leave inspired and impressed. Marquand Books published a book about Leo and his unique home called “Leo Adams Art Home.” Read about Leo here.
On a recent visit I was taken by a piece in his home. It looked like a two-panel Rothko painting. Upon inspection I realized it was two pieces of sheet metal with their own long untold history of paint and rust. I was immediately inspired with a vision in my mind of a two-panel piece with shaped edges. I couldn’t wait to get back to my studio. I needed to experiment. I opted to draw on museum board - a type of mat board that is thick and archival.
My first version was a prototype. I had to figure out some problematic material issues. My friend Deborah has that one hanging in her house. This one is “Blue Two” because it is the second piece after learning from the first.
This is drawn on 4-ply museum board, but it still was not thick enough. After trimming the edges into the desired shape, I used museum glue to adhere another 4-ply sheet of museum board to the back. After trimming those edges to match, I painted the edges to match the piece. Then, they each were mounted for hanging. I had fun figuring out how to create this vision into reality, and it has started me on a new direction in my work.
I fully attribute my inspiration to Leo Adams. As a person, he is inspiring. He has influenced many people in his life. He has no idea how many - including me.
(This piece has sold.)
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“Blue Two” Colored pencil on museum board, two panels. Overall size 60 inches wide by 40 inches tall
“Leo Adams Art Home” was published by Marquand Books