Charles Wisseman : Left Behind

Artist Statement

As a pathologist, I spent most days analyzing the layers of pattern revealed when light transilluminates slices of life mounted on laboratory slides. The study of disease focuses awareness on time and change, on the range of variation of natural patterns, and on the complementary information apparent at different levels of observation. I am intrigued by contrasts of order and disorder, and by the influence of chance in our optimistically-planned lives. I approach this complexity by using a variety of materials and processes in mixed media constructions, often based around a common theme or by juxtaposing varied presentations of a single image. I have experimented with wood, copper, forged steel, handmade paper, stained and fused glass, plastics and resins, ceramics, fibers (including silk painting), and photography using alternative processes in the darkroom and on the computer. Biomorphic and disease-related forms arise naturally, especially in paper and clay. My house is full of found materials looking for new life. Retirement has allowed me time to think about which processes and forms to emphasize. Experimentation with materials and process is what keeps art fresh for me, though, so each piece tends to be very individual.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Left Behind

Going back to boxes, where I started my art journey. "Left Behind" is my spring/Easter piece. An old slide box of microbial pathogen specimens left behind by my father, who left me behind, as I will leave others behind. Left behind, too, by a fundamentalist daughter, who no doubt believes that I will be among those left behind at the second coming. Cicada casings left behind by emergent insects, in anticipation of Brood XIII and XIX that will deafen Illinois this year. Death, where is thy sting? Zombie apocalypse? Christian apocalypse? Environmental collapse? Maybe, but spring is almost here, and life returns.

Cicada shells, epoxy, calcite rocks, watch dial, stamps, type metal cast into irregular cross in a cracked log.