"Comfortably Numb" erases the boundaries between dimensions

Some pieces create themselves. When that flow begins, it’s an amazing experience. Most artists know this magical spot though it doesn’t happen often enough. At some point, you realize you are not creating, but acting as a conduit for the creation of a work of art. It’s thrilling, humbling, mystical, spiritual…

Comfortably Numb: 36”H x 42”W x 14”D - Sculpted figure mounted off the surface, casting a real shadow on the background.

“Comfortably Numb” was one of those pieces. From a couple of brief sketches, I saw the concept and its execution clearly. The figure took very little time to create. The gesture came together effortlessly. The canvas had to support the sculpture invisibly for the illusion to work. Even that was a short problem-to-solution step.

I did a rare thing at that point. I stopped working on the piece. I stepped back to enjoy what was happening. When a piece practically creates itself, the experience passes too quickly. The magic passes in a short, intense moment. With “Comfortably Numb,” I chose to enjoy the process completely. So, I set the canvas aside unpainted with the sculpture mounted to the surface. And I looked at it for a week or two.

Then, in a very short session, I blocked in the 2-color background. It was a simple wash of Manganese at the bottom and Pyrrole Orange across the top. It had a Rothko vibe. I left that alone and simply observed for another week or two. Thinking but not doing. One morning the rocks and clouds became. Gradually, through the next week, the reflection and refraction of light appeared. Effortlessly. The most playful part was enhancing, but not fully rendering a shadow cast onto the surface by the figure. Suggesting waves near the horizon, the illusion was complete.

I have studied the illusions created by Rene Magritte. The geometry of Comfortably Numb is spatially similar to several of Magritte’s 2- and 3-dimensional works. Equally important are his titles. Each image makes a statement. Each title offers a different perspective. Between the viewer, the art and title a question is forged. And you are engaged.

The title of this piece was illusive. On one level, it might be a pollution or climate change statement. On another, might be comment on our current media/political game show. It’s could be a dream sequence. Or a mirror.

While packing sculptures for “Notes for Travelers,” an exhibit at Art at the Cave in Vancouver, WA, it came to me. Comfortably Numb reflects our shared personal predicament. We are moving blindly through space. Maybe intentionally. Maybe not.

It’s hard to define where an idea begins. But the idea is just the beginning. View this 3-minute video for a concise explanation of what happens between the initial idea and the finished sculpture.

How ideas become sculpture

It’s hard to define where an idea begins. But the idea is just the beginning. This is a concise explanation of my creative process - what happens between the initial idea and the finished sculpture.

Artists discuss "Notes for Travelers"

Sculptor Chas Martin and painter Don Gray will talk about their current exhibit at Art at the Cave in Vancouver, Washington on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 1pm.

Chas Martin and Don Gray will share insights on their creative processes and their journeys. Photo: Anne John

“When invited to put a show together, Don and I discussed a show title, but didn’t really talk about the art we would exhibit,” explains Chas Martin. “We are familiar with each other’s work. We knew there would be a natural synergy.” What could not have been predicted was the magic that occurred as the show was installed.

In their upcoming discussion at the gallery, the two artists will share stories of their processes and notes on their journeys. Martin and Gray have a similar palette and somewhat similar approach to applying color. Both title their works to encourage viewer interpretation. Several of the pieces exhibited even have similar titles. As the show took shape, the interplay of their thoughts and themes became very apparent. 

The nearly 60 pieces exhibited range from intimate to monumental. One of Gray’s ongoing themes is his exploration of the urn, a portrait-like treatment of a simple vessel shape. It is a theme he has returned to for years. Additional works include figurative paintings in varying stages of abstraction. These pieces are an intriguing complement to the dynamic gestures of Martin’s figurative sculptures. Viewers can make their own associations or conclusions about the pairings.

During the installation, the team at Art at the Cave began arranging pieces as they were unpacked, arranging compatible colors and themes. It was an organic process with minimal input from the artists. The interplay between the 2- and 3-dimensional pieces seemed to organize itself. “We trusted our friends at The Cave who know their space and how to best present the art. Their objectivity and experience make this exhibit all the more interesting,” said Gray.

Many viewers at the September 1 opening reception commented on the quality of the curation. Sharon Svec, the curator who has known both artists for years said, “The discussion between these two artists will add another level of understanding to the viewer experience. I expect this artist talk will reveal some interesting insights.”

Art at the Cave is located at 108 East Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, Washington. Gallery hours are Tues-Thurs 11-5pm, Fri and Sat 11-6 or by appointment.

Artist Discussion is free and open to the public, Saturday, September 16 at 1:00pm. Arrive early to view the show. The exhibit will run through September 23.