Patterns (Hasami, Nagasaki)

Patterns (Hasami, Nagasaki)

Washi Tape on Glass
2020
Monne Porte, Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Commissioned by MT Tapes 

I don’t like the idea of unlimited possibilities. A white canvas and a palette that can create any color might feel like freedom to some, but it produces nothing with to react. I like the dialogue between material and surface, but the conversation needs some direction. 

Creating with tape is a challenge. There are a limited amount of colors available. Even with the largest selection of tapes, there can only be so many blues. So it forces the question- what can I do with the colors that are given?

I started making artwork on glass as a way to incorporate light into the work. I have done this by creating patterns cut into the tape to form a type of stencil. So much of nature is covered in repeating patterns, which can seem both chaotic and yet orderly. Behind the forms that I create, the eye has to deal with the nature behind the glass. No one is allowed the dull comfort of a white canvas.