Underlying Suspicions

By Barry Hammond

Mixed media on canvas

20 cm x 20 cm x 4 cm

Price on request

Meaning and visual impact:

This work had as its objective to create a very deep three dimensional image on a two dimensional canvas front. When I did this work I had just returned from a visit to the Pyramids of Egypt where I marvelled at the precise placement of stones in the King`s chamber which was achieved 4,500 years ago. That visit inspired me build into this work a stone like square block wedged ever so precisely into the center of the canvas surrounded by a larger stone block image.

From the side of the canvas it appears like a normal painting but from the front view it has a lot of depth. The feeling of depth is more than an illusion as the top layer is chipped away to reveal another level below. A similar effect as chiselling away at stone. It is quite fun to look at. The canvas can be hung or it can stand alone on a shelf or mantle.

Technical aspects:

A unique plaster like material was shaped, carved, cut and sanded to get to the basic form and texture. Then the surface was chiselled out in spots to create the final image of depth. A lot of attention was paid to obtain a realistic stone like appearance for the underlying level. Finally multiple layers of coloured oil glaze medium were applied to get the final look.