Creative Process:

This particular suite of five images was selected from over three

hundred images shot on the route between Sarasota, FL and Melbourne, FL. The images were shot through either the driver or passenger side window. I typically hold the camera at arm's length as the vehicle moves at speeds between 45-70mph. I intentionally do not look thru the viewfinder. This method of capturing images seems to more accurately reflect the suburban experience of moving through the landscape, from place-to-place, in an automobile.

As a result of that process, I never quite know what I have captured.
This adds an element of chance and random spontaneity to the work. I typically respond to the selected images by adding physical layers of information to the surface. These physical layers generally take the form of paint, collage elements, drawing or diagrammatic information. That information is added in layers as the drawing is developed over several work sessions.  I rarely, if ever, pre-plan the work. Its a risky creative process, but the conceptual/formal challenge of creating the visual narrative and pulling the image out of the ground keeps me engaged in the work.

Click the images to enlarge.



You can view my professional work at:
http://webspace.ringling.edu/~rfarber/index.html

Forgotten Route

Much of the route is shrouded in a mix of late Fall sun and high clouds.

Just minutes outside the commercialism and coastal conjestion, you encounter a mysterious, fertile and undisturbed Florida landscape.  To some, this stretch of state highway must seem as an impediment to their journey between the populated coasts of Florida.  I drive for an hour at a time along the route without encountering a single vehicle.

Click the images to enlarge.

You can view my professional work at:

http://webspace.ringling.edu/~rfarber/index.html

Image Construction

How the drawings are constructed:  The drawings go through a series of steps that enable me to add several layers of information, media and materials.  The layers happen in no systematic order.  Layers of matte MSUVA varnish, paint, drawing media, and collage elements are added and subtracted throughout the creation of the work. 

After the images have been selected, they are typically manipulated in PhotoShop and then printed on acid free matte paper. I use Polar White, matte paper.  The image area measures 6"x26".  The completed drawing will eventually be mounted onto a 24"x36" sheet of frosted mylar when it is finished.

Layers of information are added to the image in layers. Drawings on oriental gampi paper are created, to scale, to be collaged into the drawing.  The drawing components are then attached to the surface using a PVA archival glue.

Layers of paint and varnish continue to be added to the image.

Silkscreen information is added to the image.  Drawing information is created to scale on an oriental sheet of Gampi paper.

Drawing elements are collaged into place using PVA archival glue.

The drawing continues to have layers of information added and

subtracted until it is resolved.  The first of five drawings nears

completion in December 2009.

Captain Tom Navigates the Kissimmie River Lock after Leaving Bird Island...Mixed-media, 7"x26" image area mounted on 24"x36" Frosted Mylar 2009.

Detail

Click the images to enlarge.


You can view more of my professional work at:

http://webspace.ringling.edu/~rfarber/index.html