Integrate
Michael Griffin
September 3 - 22, 2020
With his Show "Integrate" Michael Griffin regales us with his signature multi-color Impasto style
while also pushing his texture experiments into rich, Mid-Century inspired monotones.
From Michael Griffin:
Integrate [in-ti-greyt]: To bring together, combine or complete to produce a whole.
This most basic definition of the word “integrate” best describes both the process and end result:
which becomes “my” art.
I primarily work with oils because they afford me the ability to combine the colors into a multitude of shades
and variations. Oils also allow me to achieve a range of textures by building up and manipulating the layers of
paint to achieve my desired effect.
Watching a piece evolve from it’s most primitive state, blobs of paint on a blank canvas, into a melding
of colors, shades and textures is what excites, confounds and ultimately rewards me.
I must admit that the unique process which gives birth to my work is one that I don’t completely comprehend.
It involves countless, yet deliberate, swipes at the canvas with my palette and putty knives as I begin
to blend colors and build texture. This is all done in a very focused if not trance-like state. I then evaluate
how much time is needed to let a piece sit and dry before adding the next layer of color or highlight.
Throughout this entire process I continuously survey the canvas from every angle as I rely on the piece,
as well as my instinct, to convey what’s needed for completion.
I seldom title my abstract pieces. I prefer to invite the viewer to experience the piece in their
own way. To develop their own interpretation and evoke their own emotions. Observing
this interaction between the viewer and my work is what I find most gratifying and inspiring.
This is my ultimate goal in wanting to create and present my work.
