About Geogasmic; Abstract Art Piece

I was thinking that every once in a while I would write about one of my art pieces or a piece by an artist I admire. Well, I took a vote of me, myself and I, and

Geogasmic, abstract art by artist Paula Gibbs

Geogasmic, abstract art by artist Paula Gibbs

the consensus was that this time I would write about one of my own pieces!

I chose the name Geogasmic for this abstract art (link to metal page) because of the explosion of shapes and colors. When I started this piece, the design I had planned was completely different. The colors I selected were more subdued, and there were designs painted on top of the shapes. So, in addition to the shapes, there were other shapes painted on.

I had three big circles, some triangles, some shadow stripes and a single small shape that had black and white horizontal bands. But, I could not bring myself to paint the piece as planned. It just didn’t feel like my design. That is because it was inspired by another artist’s piece and I didn’t do enough to make it feel like it was mine. Does that make sense?

Also, the final design reminded me of some strange sci-fi art. It looked other-worldly. The circles looked like big orbs. The large triangle looked like it had another triangle radiating out from it like a beam from an alien lighthouse.  It was creepy, so I scrapped it.

I chose to stick with painting the shapes as they were cut and leave a band of metal showing around the edges. (When I am working with metal, I like to expose it in some way, so the viewer can tell it is metal.) The construction process is just like Four on the Floor piece, but with a totally different look. Both are rather minimalistic. That is great because that is my favorite style of art!

After scrapping the original design, it took forever to decide what color combination to use. I am constantly agonizing over color and design as if it is the last

Geogasmic: Painted pieces drying

piece I’ll ever be able to do. I have to remind myself that I still have more wood panels waiting to be adorned. Ha! That doesn’t help my creative process a bit.

I finally decided on bright colors and high contrast. I am happy with the outcome. I really like the silver of the metal that outlines each shape. I first used the exposed metal outline with my Four on the Floor piece. I guess it lends a touch of an industrial look.

I like the look of these two pieces and I want to explore this style more. I know there are so many interesting designs I can do with this style. The ideas are out there in the ether waiting to be grabbed up and laid down on my wood panel.

I have been quite anxious to do a mid-century design but haven’t come up with anything that doesn’t look totally contrived. As I write this blog entry I am thinking that this style just might be right for a cool mid-century piece.  Hmm. Wheels turning.