The AMI Story
2007. After more than fifty years, studying, making and teaching art, I am retired and living in Germany. I am exploring graphic software and experimenting with repeat patterns and thrust vectors for gestural abstracts. AMI appeared in my sketches, complete, with a name. A unique and perfect, asymmetrical, biomorphic shape. It fascinated me, then; and the fascination persists. AMI is compelling and mysterious. AMI has a non-physical component that I do not understand; and cannot explain.
The pencil sketch was scanned and refined with graphic software. A large version was printed on heavy paper and trimmed with scissors. This paper AMI shape was used, over time, to make the first eight AMI paintings.
AMI, was used to make multiple variations of three different repeat pattern designs; a heart shape graphic design; and a group of tear-drop shape Boteh / Buta, graphic designs.
The first four paintings were minimal, hard edge, painted black lines on a white field. I wanted to present the AMI concept in its unadulterated form. AMI 5 and 6, have two overlapping AMI outlines made with black graphic tape on a white field. The graphic tape makes a thin constant width, hard edge line. AMI 7, is white on a gray field; with no lines. AMI 8, started with black graphic tape contour lines on a white field. Then, it was painted over with a dark gray; and the graphic tape was removed, to expose the white underneath.
Integrated flat panel frames were designed and built for each painting. They were painted with a thick glossy finish, by a company that makes furniture . The first eight paintings are mounted on their flat panel frames with screws, anchors and extruded aluminum hardware.
2019. I began to realize, that the eight AMI paintings had the potential to become a coherent and valuable exhibition. AMI 6 was repainted, with glossy red, blue and white, with wider graphic tape lines. AMI 2 received a new glossy purple background; and AMI 3 background was repainted red. AMI 1 was repainted with deep glossy red and blue, with no lines. AMI 4, got two deep glassy green colors, with no lines. The minimal essence of AMI endures; and the intense colors add delightful characteristics.
AMI 9 and 10, were created to enhance the group. They are larger; and they are influenced more by Pop, Op and design than by minimalist ideas.
The AMI paintings are heavy and easily damaged; so, a custom box was built for each one. I call them AMI transport pods. They have interesting characteristics of their own. They may be used to transport or store the painting; or, as furniture. They make good benches or tables. The ten pods make two benches that may be used in an exhibition. A single pod may be used with any number of support structures; pallets, boxes, tables, etc.
I have focused on building a complete package: paintings, pods, identification and authentication, websites and story. The ten AMI paintings are historically relevant, conceptually sophisticated, expertly crafted, unique and rare. They are interesting, amiable companions.
2025. Promotion, exhibition and sales. The AMI paintings belong in museums and major private collections. The AMI story continues.
Ideology
I am cautious about all ideologies.
I think, ideologies are linear constructs, that employ fear, confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance, to manage perception and behavior. They share limitations common to other linear constructs. They are intellectual cul-de-sacs: mental traps.
Goodness, Truth and Beauty
Balance.
Explore everything. — Believe nothing.
Wisdom is the goal.
Harmonious evolution is the way.
Contribute.
Celebrate.
Be Love.
High Energy Gestural Abstracts
High energy gestural abstracts, are inspired by abstract expressionism, brush calligraphy, fanciful scribbles and the need to reach beyond the familiar. I explore gestural abstracts with ink on heavy art paper.
I work spontaneously, intuitively and iteratively. I work with the paper on a flat surface; so I can move and rotate it; and see and work on it from any direction. Consequently, some pieces may be displayed with any side up. This is a problem when choosing a place for a signature.
I like to stand so I can employ big muscle movement. Speed is important to capture the energy of the event. I have found that attempts to refine the work, often diminishes that energy. Set up takes time; but the creative process is usually completed in a few minutes.
Some pieces start with a tentative plan with thrust vectors. The Salmon series explored this approach.
I name my work intuitively, playfully. The names have no particular meaning.
Education
Education is helping individuals learn.
Training is teaching skills to individuals and groups.
Education is holistic. Training is linear.
As a teacher, in the United States, I watched the education systems evolve from helping individuals learn to indoctrination and training. As I worked on a doctorate, I saw education management become more like business. I attempted to adjust to the changes; but, my enthusiasm faded; and I did not complete the program.
Education philosophies and systems reflect the philosophies and systems of the culture. As the culture became more linear, the education philosophies and systems became more linear.
Linearism
Uncomfortable with, the linear ideologies and systems of western cultures, I developed the concept of linearism. Linearism is an ideology that holds the primacy of linearity, sacrosanct. I realized that, to evolve in harmony and prosperity, linear concepts and constructs must be embedded in, and constrained by, holistic macro concepts and constructs.
Concepts and constructs that are not embedded in and constrained by holistic macro concepts or constructs are not sustainable. Indeed, they are often destructive.
Western civilizations are experiencing confusion and accelerating change. Linear ideas and systems, that made the collective west, rich and powerful, are no longer fit for purpose. Linear concepts and constructs can be effective and efficient; but, they are often harmful and usually temporary.
Recently, I found an expert with a scientific background: Dr Iain McGilchrist. He has produced books and videos about how the human brain works. His website is here.
What is Art?
Art is human expression with an actor, a medium and an observer. The actor is the primary, and often, the only, observer. Art is deliberate action. Art is a human creative process. The process determines the form.
Art is influenced by the combinations of variables that effect the person and the process. The event is unique. It can not be duplicated.
Art is conscious and subconscious. Art is exploration and experimentation. Art is material and spiritual. Art is a window into the unknown and unknowable. Art is essential.