Creative Collaborative of the Cumberlands

Eric Buechel
Sep 27, 2020
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Emporium Center / Arts & Culture Alliance, Knoxville, Tennessee 100 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Opening Night November 6th, 2020. For additional information please go to the A&C Alliance website

Action Expressionism

Our artistic journey commenced with a deep and thoughtful examination of the works of iconic abstract artists, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking techniques and philosophies of Jackson Pollock. Pollock's innovative approach to painting, characterized by his unique drip technique and the emphasis on the act of creation itself, served as a pivotal inspiration for our group. We aimed not only to emulate aspects of his style but to delve deeper into the realm of abstraction, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. Our collective goal was to explore and highlight elements that are often overlooked in nature, seeking to transcend the physical world and tap into the emotional and psychological experiences that art can evoke. We endeavored to forge a profound connection with the viewer, aiming to establish an emotional bond through the deliberate use of patterns, colors, tones, and lines. Each flowing stroke and color choice was made with the intention of reflecting expressive movements and conveying a sense of dynamism within the final design. Some of our pieces were crafted manually, employing traditional techniques, while others were born from experimental mechanical processes that challenged our understanding of art-making. Although the colors we selected played a significant role in the overall impact of our work, we quickly recognized that they were secondary to the motion and rhythm of the lines that danced across the canvas. The materials we chose to work with were as crucial to our artistic exploration as the final visual result. What began as a simple method to loosen our painting styles soon evolved into a complex exploration of color theory, where we engaged with color wheels and the relationships between hues. This journey took us outside of the studio, as we experimented with unconventional methods—such as hanging paint containers from a sturdy branch of a tree to create dripping effects and spilling paint on a moving canvas to explore the unpredictable nature of our medium. The effects of these techniques varied in ways we had not anticipated, leading to a rich tapestry of outcomes that were both surprising and enlightening. As a collaborative group, we discovered that the possibilities for artistic expression were virtually limitless when we embraced a variety of materials and techniques. Each experiment brought forth unexpected elements that delighted and inspired us, ensuring that the project remained fresh and exciting at every stage of our creative process. The unpredictability of our methods fostered a sense of adventure, prompting us to embrace the unknown and celebrate the beauty of spontaneity in our artwork. This journey not only expanded our artistic horizons but also deepened our appreciation for the transformative power of abstract art.