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NATHAN BENNETT
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Nathan Bennett, Instinct, patina on bronze/mixed media, 24 x 34"
Utah artist Nathan Bennett describes his work as “patinapainting.” He first creates an image on a silicon bronze plate, then uses a hand-held torch to fuse chemical compounds onto the metal. The entire process, from specific temperatures to chemical combinations, is a closely guarded secret, resulting in images that each have a changing, holographic character. In his artist statement, Bennett says, “In times past, I would have had the title sorcerer, alchemist, conjurer, or magician. A strange man eking out life in a dingy room. All around me secret formulas written on walls, scratched into cabinets, and scribed
on stained manuscripts. Fire and vials filled with liquid or rocks with the ability to kill, permeate the hot and stench filled room. In modern times, I am called a Master Patineur.” In this solo exhibition, his patina-painted work shows an evolution from pure image to mixed media assemblage.—Carolyn Patten Nathan Bennett: Feelings and Things Meyer East Gallery, 225 Canyon, September 11, reception 5–7 pm, meyereastgallery.com
September 10, 2015 NOW 21