Little Boxes 2: The Walnut Prototype

The Walnut Prototype, 2001.
 Acrylic & Encaustic on Board. 4" x 4"

This painting is meaningless.  Well...it's not, but it's not really about anything.  This painting is affectionately referred to as "The Walnut Prototype."  It was a test, and became the (unofficial) first Little Box.  

I was testing composition.  I had to see what would happen if I floated a simple object, like a walnut grabbed from a holiday nut bowl, on a pattern. Would it be too loose?  Too stiff?  I mean, I've broken the rule of thirds rule all to pieces here.  I was comfortable with the layout.

What I ultimately noticed, in the way that you notice those things that you don't plan on noticing, but are super glad you do, is that it has a memento-like quality to it.  Like I'm displaying a ribbon won at a contest prominently on a bulletin board.  I hadn't considered that, but I liked it, and that composition has crept into may of the Little Boxes since then.

Speaking of which, I have dozens of Little Boxes now.  I guess I'll start posting them.  I had originally given myself 10 years to complete the project, and that deadline is FAST approaching - so I've applied for a 5 year extension with myself.  I'll let you know if I get it once I've processed the paperwork and let myself know.  In the meantime, I might as well post a few of them.  They're not really doing much while I get the rest of the 400 of them done, so I may as well get them out into the blogosphere, where they can be seen by literally tens of people. (If you laughed at that...I have to admit that I've hijacked that from someone, but I can't remember if it's Tina Fey or my friend Erin.  Could be both.  Either way.  One must give credit where credit is due.

Ultimately, I will see all of the Little Boxes together, until then, stay tuned for the slow reveal.