Isolating moments in time
Michael Greenspan's minimalist paintings are concerned
with defining and interpreting space
By Ann Nichols Arts Writer
Michael Greenspan can "isolate a moment in time" with industrial enamel, encaustic, shellac, plaster, graphite, pigment and wood. Somewhere between the literal and the abstract, he finds a place that represents his environment and his response to it.
"The images have a dreamlike quality and could be interpreted as snapshots of a larger scene implying content beyond the confines of the painting," he explained in his artist's statement.
A resident of Chattanooga since June, Mr. Greenspan remains heavily influenced by the colors and dramatic light of the desert near Reno, Nev., where he grew up. At a distance, his paintings appear minimal with very little color. Upon closer inspection, the viewer discovers a variety of textures, lines, colors and even recognizable imagery.
Balance and precise division of space organize the chaos he said is present in his work. Line is an important element, too, because it divides the picture plane, creates motion, tension and allows interaction between the sections. Though marks, shapes and even drips may appear haphazard, he said careful consideration goes into their placement.
Color is subtle but can jump occasionally with egg-yolk yellow, sky blue and celadon green suggesting various moods or elements of the landscape.
Again, nothing is random.
Mr. Greenspan begins each painting by coating wood with a plaster substrate. On this surface, he draws, paints, transfers photos and applies encaustic. Then he alters the painting by adding and subtracting more layers until he is satisfied with the composition. He seals the surface with a thin layer of encaustic that is buffed to a smooth finish.
Tactile quality and "sense of feel" are critical to Mr. Greenspan, and he encourages people to touch the four sides as well as the front surface of his work.
"I want viewers to consider the entire composition, not just its face," he said. "This is probably because of my background as a cabinet maker."
Mr. Greenspan graduated from the University of Nevada with a bachelor of arts degree. In the art program there in the 1970s, the emphasis was on minimalism, and he found the works of Richard Diebenkorn a source of inspiration. After graduating, he continued producing art but also worked in construction, design, job-site supervision, finish carpentry and cabinet-making.
His own art has evolved during the past 30 years with his earlier hard-edge, rectilinear pieces giving way to paintings with a more organic quality.
"My new work is less rigid and includes more amorphous forms and a bit more color," he said.
Mr. Greenspan's work may be seen at Gallery 1401, located at 1401 Williams St.
--Ann Nichols, Chattanooga Times Free Press, 2 January 2005.
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