Pixel-ed by George Gregory
My production process often leaves me with scraps of wood that are too small to incorporate into my work, but too big to throw away. I find myself saving these scraps for potential use in the future. After much deliberation, I found myself dipping these scraps into acrylic paint and laminating them together. This process was the inspiration for Pixel-ed.
Pixel-ed is made out of 14 sheets of ¾” pine plywood. I spent about 20 hours on the table saw ripping the plywood into 1 ½” strips. It took 6272 cuts on the miter saw to cut the strips into varying lengths. I dipped these pieces into 33 different colors of acrylic paint and laminated these pieces into 63 total units.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am inspired by personal narrative from my childhood, adolescent and adult relationships. Since childhood, I have embraced materials considered part of the arts and crafts world. It is a way for me to combine my childhood experiences of crafting with my Grandmother and spending time with my carpenter Father while he worked. The materials they used in combination reveal the tensions between low art and high art. Through their use with form, I am leveling the playing field.
The relationship between hard and soft plays an important role in my work. This is demonstrated through the materiality of fiber and wood. My material choices and processes reference my experiences with lost relationships. I pay homage to my Father and Grandmother by incorporating the same materials that played a part in my childhood. Creating a delicate balance.