There are two aspects to this body of work, Recycle 100.
A. THE IDEA OF DRAWING:
The idea behind the series was to start drawing on a regular basis.
In 2017 I attended an art exhibit in Sweden of one of my favourite artists Giorgi Morandi.
The exhibit was a dialogue between Morandi and Edmund De Waal. What was inspiring was the manner in which De Waal was influenced by Morandi’s composition; reinterpreting it in a new way and using a different medium.
Still lifes were a reoccurring subject matter during my training in several Art Schools in Sweden; a subject matter and challenge that I quite enjoyed.
This made me think about still lifes again and the simple disposable objects that we have around us all the time.
I observe these functional designed objects, each week as I pull my recycling to the curb.
Many of these containers are similar in shape and design yet, their function can be sorted, and purpose understood through their colour. I wanted to explore this.
I decided to re-envision these objects by placing them next to each other and changing this around for my daily sketches.
B. THE ACT OF DRAWING:
For me the concept of exercising to stay fit, was the same needed for artistic stamina.
This was my daily method. I set up the following rules for myself.
1. Draw every day for about an hour or more
2. It does not have to be good (but if it is, bonus)
3. Use recyclable items only
4. Change composition every day
5. Explore colour, shape and space
I set out to draw for 100 consecutive days and complete a still life, 12×12 each day.
In the end I drew for 123 days and completed 113 drawings.
Oil pastel was my chosen medium. I find it allows me to draw with a painterly quality.
ADDENDUM:
With the discipline of daily drawing underway and having completed these still lifes I found the transition to the Covid 19 restrictions was more easily managed. I choose to begin a new set of sketches and am currently underway on these drawings.
Anders Widjedal
Gallery note: All of the artwork in Anders’s exhibit is for sale. If you are interested in knowing more about Anders and his work or in purchasing a piece, please contact Anders at awidjedal@gmail.com
Want to know more about the genre of Still Life? Check out these links:
For more information about two of Ander’s favourite artists check out these links:
If Anders exhibit got you thinking more about what you can do with your recycling; check out this interesting and free app offered by the City of Kawartha Lakes.