Susan Canavarro

Black and White - Artist Statement

In 1992 I was fortunate to be in a position to experiment with black and white images. Beginning with the intaglio process I soon discovered an appreciation for the spontaneity of the monotype process. I was intrigued with the inherent simplicity and unity of a black and white image along with the complexity of value changes in the interaction of black pigment on white paper. So much was left to the imagination of the viewer, and at the same time, because of its association with newspaper photographic images, black and white could carry the weight: the importance and truth of reality. It connotes a documentation of real life. But we all know that photographs can be manipulated and falsified, especially in the age of computers and digital photography, consequently they are not always an accurate representation of reality.

In the sense of black and white photos, my current black and white gesso landscapes document the local landscape as seen through my eyes - but it is an image which I have manipulated, my brush guided by my penchant for simplicity and aversion to detail! Because I am looking for the essence of my subject I try to express the image that first caught my eye, focusing on light and dark shapes, patterns, and large simple flat shapes juxtaposed against a sense of distance and atmosphere. I enjoy the inherent contradiction of push/pull created by the flat shapes against deep space.

Gesso provides the simplicity I am drawn to: it is easy to manipulate, usually, and can be transparent or opaque depending on how it is applied. It can be used on paper or canvas or wood, and can be matte or glossy on its surface, all in one painting. It is quick drying which is problematic sometimes, but also spontaneous which suits my impatient personality and my tendency to avoid tedious detail!