Work on paper - SUSAN SMEREKA

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reclaimed books sewn and printed

I have been making monotypes since 2001 and enjoyed the immediacy of the process. I appreciate the layering - the 'accidents' that can happen in a monoprint (as oppose my experience painting) The monochromatic images here are using an oil based ink with a water base India ink and water. Sizes range from 15 x 11" to 7 x 5".

topographical maps with fabric monotypes

monotypes on reclaimed paper

drawings and paintings

The work of gluing my hair onto paper was born during an extended period of intense pain in my jaw and head. The methodical repetitive motion was a restorative process. Meditative. The act of gluing an individual hair represents a microcosm of the mind/body tension. Hair, with its own body and me, my will: with every hair I put down there is a necessary effort to collaborate with one's self. A gentle wrestling of wills. The drawings are records of both tangible and intangible aspects of the self. I glued hair into sinuous patterns and simple pathways in books, on compact cards compiled into sheaves and onto large paper.

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