Scott Greenwalt has been busy since his show in November! We recently went over to his studio and took a look at his new works in progress. His current work continues to maintain his sense of scale and imagery, except this time around he has been working on painting at a different pace. In order to completely delve into his concepts and characters in the traditional imagery that he is known for, Greenwalt finds that working at a slower speed has been leading him in a more satisfying direction. He mentioned referencing his older works as well was allowing him to maintain a clear focus on the newer work that he wants to complete. By pulling from his older work he found that he can weed out what worked for him in the past and ground himself in terms of technique and images to continue the style that he relates to.
While in his studio he brought out a large Buddhist mythology book which he found in Texas about 10 years ago. This book was massive! In it contains highly detailed images and descriptions of myths that have influenced where he is drawing his current inspiration from, in addition to his older work. Although his images are still violent or mutant like, typical markers of his aesthetic, he is beginning to think about how to allow his audience more of an accessible manner to readily connect to his work. Instead of forcing a prominent foreground with heavy laden detail, he has begun painting more of an identifiable setting and lucid forms against increased negative space. Yet, by no means do these works arise as a mere trial period in this new direction, nor do they abandon the intense imagery he is known for; the space he has given in turn challenges and heightens the sense of awareness in detail and overall mood to the work.
Make sure to check out his upcoming show in September in the Minna Gallery.
