Zaunkönige (Wrens)
It was Inga Kondeyne who named this set of drawings, Zaunkönige, or wrens. Zaunkönige is the second portfolio of small-scale notations made on Moleskin, sketchbook paper. This paper is flimsy and incapable of accommodating water media or any type of aggressive, mark making. In response to this condition, I developed limitations to lighten my own hand and preserve the paper's integrity. Because I wanted to keep the paper from buckling, nearly all the drawings have a centralized image surrounded by space. In addition, these quick gestures strike a balance. They juggle an assortment of combinations where passages of brushed watercolor play against etched lines and torn paper, or where graphite dust gets caught in a field of wax resist. As if touching down briefly before taking off again, the Zaunkönige act like shadow-flickers that preserve the flow and energy of the material substance.
All drawings measure 14"x 11" and are made of graphite dust, watercolor, as well as oil and wax crayon.