Process
Three stages of development
Discovery
I walk an average of four to five miles per day meandering city streets in an effort to find images of interest. I use a current model iPhone given its convenience and ability to produce high quality digital photographs. My search is focused on two categories – 1. Wall paint with unique eroded qualities and 2. Wall art, graffiti or other man made creations of interest. I can’t tell you what I’m looking for other than to say that I know it when I see it. Typically, I avoid anything commercial or commissioned and anything new that lacks the character of erosion and weathering. I find the most interesting work in neighborhoods many would avoid and other parts of the city that are essentially under developed.
Organization
Once the images are collected, they are uploaded to the cloud and viewed on a large screen for potential. Most are never used or filed as unusable leaving about 20% as potential. The remaining images are transfered to my design software and systematically filed based on a category that suits their character. This allows me to choose a color, texture and/or image depending on the concept I have decided to pursue. It is no different than a traditional painter reaching for colors in a place he or she is familiar.
Creation
Obviously, the creative process varies per individual. Typically, I like to work within a defined concept based on the images I've collected or theme that proliferates a collection of work within specific areas of discovery. In Latin America, I focus on symbols and native patterns for inspiration and structure. The design process can be arduous given the trial and error nature of the work but this has always been the case when pursing something of value.
Production
The work is designed to be presented as Giclée Prints in a large scale format to highlight details.