VIDEO: The Making Of “Absolute: Position” Painting On Mahogany

Newest Painting “Absolute: Position” Discusses Situations of Life & Relations

By Daric Gill

“Absolute: Position”, Oil paint on reclaimed mahogany pie crust table top. 25 1/2” x 25 1/2”. 8.9.16.

I’d like to introduce my latest painting, Absolute: Position, an oil painting on reclaimed mahogany pie crust table top.

Four green leaves mirror each other, weighting the piece at the bottom. Hanging down the center of the piece is a moss encrusted branch, showing off its thorny side. A sprig of chamomile flowers grows up from the bottom edge. The flowers also reflect in opposition the dead branch. The branch and the chamomile are almost touching tips, but not quite. Behind the natural objects are two translucent stripes. Depending on the viewer, one may view them as either dark stripes on a lighter background or lighter stripes on a darker background. Read more below…

[Process Video & Full Image Gallery Below Article]

"Absolute: Time" — “Absolute: Time”. Oil on reclaimed walnut table top. 21″ x 21″. 1.23.14.

Metaphorically speaking, this piece is about positional relations and time. Every visual element is given space to be both an independent identity while also having a direct partner. Each set of partners belong to a larger grouping. A single leaf for example, belongs to a mirror opposite while also belonging to the group of leaves that may or may not have once belonged to the branch of the same species. One might assume that given enough time without a source of nutrients, those green leaves will curl and start to brown (as they surely did during the painting process). Remaining thorough in oppositional forces, one might also assume that with a little more time the chamomile sprig may eventually grow to reach the branch. This notion of time was originally explored in Absolute: Time, the sister painting to this piece. You can read about it here.

Absolute: Position is painted on a reclaimed antique mahogany end table top. This particular type of tilt-top table is called a pie crust table, due to the raised edge resembling the crimped edge of a pie. These tables have been around for a couple hundred years as their pedestal base and collapsible top was ideal for easy storage. During the early 20th century its size proved to be perfect for holding telephones, lamps, or table top games. Naturally this secured it again as a staple in most households.