TOM MAZZULLO

WRAPS


In this series, I start with scraps of paper, wrapped around objects, or twisted into shapes, or tied up in knots, in order to make complex, beautiful objects that scintillate under shone light and cast shade with many minute changes in surface quality. I find these challenging and fun to draw, and conceptually interesting as well, as I am trying to create something out of next to nothing.  Lately I have been aware of the temporary quality of beauty. One minute there is grace, and balance, and perfection, and a second later, that feeling is lost, replaced with the ordinary or the uninteresting. These works are drawn from ephemeral materials, and, in fact, the still life has a tendency to unwind as I draw it, adding to both the complexity and the sense of melancholy. These drawings try to capture one perfect moment to hold on to. It takes me roughly a week to decide on a subject, plan the drawing, and execute the finished work. The paleness and precision of silverpoint allows me to work slowly, spending time examining the subject then bringing it to life gradually, in subtle, exact tones. 

Arrhythmia, 2020, silverpoint on prepared paper, 10.75 x 13.25 inches

Arrhythmia, 2020, silverpoint on prepared paper, 10 3/4 x 13 1/4 inches

Cyclone, 2019, copperpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 11 inches

Cyclone, 2019, copperpoint on casein-prepared paper, 11 x 11 inches (sheet size). 

Private Collection.

Caldera, 2019, silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 15 inches

Caldera, 2019, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 11 x 15 inches (sheet size)

Ruff, 2018, silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 15 inches (sheet size) (Private collection)

Ruff, 2018, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 11 x 15 inches (sheet size)

Private collection

Red River, 2018, silverpoint with white gouache on red ochre ground, 11 x 20 inches (sheet size)

Red River, 2018, silverpoint with white gouache on casein-prepared paper, 

11 x 15 inches (sheet size)

Private collection

Pucker, 2016, silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches (sheet size)

Pucker, 2016, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches (sheet size)

Fermat, 2016, silverpoint on prepared paper, 10 x 12 inches (sheet size)

Fermat, 2016, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 10 x 12 inches (sheet size)

Private collection

Oxbow, 2015, silverpoint on prepared paper, 12 x 20 inches (sheet size)

Oxbow, 2015, silverpoint on prepared paper, 12 x 20 inches (sheet size)

Private Collection

Archimedes, 2014, silverpoint on prepared paper, 9 x 15 inches

Archimedes, 2014, silverpoint on prepared paper, 9 x 15 inches

Private Collection

Lily of the Valley, 2014, silverpoint on prepared paper, 9 x 12 inches (sheet size)

Lily of the Valley, 2014, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 9 x 12 inches (sheet size)

Turban, 2013, silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 11 inches

Turban, 2013, silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 11 inches

Collection of the Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock

Wrap, 2012, silverpoint on prepared paper, 8 x 10 inches

Wrap, 2012, silverpoint on prepared paper, 8 x 10 inches

Upwrap, 2009, silverpoint on prepared paper, 12 x 9 inches (sheet size)

Upwrap, 2009, silverpoint on casein-prepared paper, 12 x 9 inches (sheet size)

Collection of the Lauren Rogers Museum, Laurel, Mississippi.

© 2024 Tom Mazzullo