'Pathways through You' - Acrylics on canvas - 55x46 cm |
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Pathways through you
Walking on her flesh, through her meadows and hills, I cherish the Earth - the Mother. Her beauty increases every time I look. Her wells run deeper the more I get to know her. The paths. The paths. The paths.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Leaving the path
Watching this piece I remembered hiking in the mountains of Norway. Last time I was there I was by myself, which is a stupid thing to do really, since just a few kilometers into a valley you often find yourself outside of all networks, meaning you can't call for help. Falling is one thing, since you typically die anyway, but if you get stuck between rocks or cut yourself on a sharp edge while stumbling and find yourself bleeding and unable to make the walk back you could die in vain. Dying due to stupidity is something I would like to avoid, yet experiencing the Norweigan national parks in silence and solitude almost makes up for the risk.
What I clearly remember are the times when I left the marked paths for a closer encounter with a waterfall spotted from afar, or to look down a crazy drop, and how the 'never leave the path'-warnings from old fairytales echoed inside. In the Norweigan mountains those words really make sense. The ground feels uncertain beneath your feet and you never know what's covered by or hidden by the moss and undergrowth. A badly chosen step can be fatal, and yet the seductive beauty drives you onward, further and further away from the path.
'Leaving the Path' - Acrylics on canvas - 55x38 cm |
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Monday, February 25, 2019
Where gold and glory no longer matters
There is a kind of treasure - an enrichening of experience - which turns everyday stuff and moments into pure wonder. While painting, I sometimes come across little sparks of this treasure, and it makes the paintings come alive - it makes me come alive. At such moments I'm no longer a painter, but a wizard, or a receiver of true treasure. As far as I know, this sort of gold cannot be sold or given away. We all have to find it for ourselves. The painting below did it for me. I wonder if it may do the same for you? Did any of the magic stick to the canvas? Can colors carry it?
'Beyond Gold and Glory' - Acrylics on canvas - 50x61 cm |
A Secret Valley
Most titles show up while I'm painting the piece. Some while I'm done. Others I have to consider for a while. They're not very important and reflect my own interpretation rather than the painting itself. I wasn't sure about this one. Should it be 'The Secret Valley' or 'The Sacred Valley' or perhaps 'Twin Kindgom Valley' as a text based adventure game for Commodore 64 was called?
I see a valley, and there is something mysterious about it. I like mysterious.
I see a valley, and there is something mysterious about it. I like mysterious.
'The Secret Valley' - Acrylics on canvas - 61x50 cm |
Friday, February 22, 2019
A dancing world
In the Orient, and perhaps in Japan especially, many regular activities have developed into activities of great art, like serving tea, raking gravel, archery, writing characters, and trimming trees. The focus and presence required to perform these arts successfully can lead to inner development and to spiritual progress - they can become meditation.
Abstract Expressionism, on the contrary, is a Western discipline, completely lacking the strict forms and precise manners of the Eastern arts. As such, it can potentially lead to the same results but takes the practitioner on a path much closer to magic, and much closer to madness. Unbound and unruly, it may lead the mind astray…
...especially if combined with potato chips and diet coke on a regular basis.
Now, you don't need to enter very deeply into madness to realize that the whole world is dancing. … or do you? In that case, let's rephrase it into something like; everything is energy, and as such it is not still for a moment.
Abstract Expressionism, on the contrary, is a Western discipline, completely lacking the strict forms and precise manners of the Eastern arts. As such, it can potentially lead to the same results but takes the practitioner on a path much closer to magic, and much closer to madness. Unbound and unruly, it may lead the mind astray…
...especially if combined with potato chips and diet coke on a regular basis.
Now, you don't need to enter very deeply into madness to realize that the whole world is dancing. … or do you? In that case, let's rephrase it into something like; everything is energy, and as such it is not still for a moment.
'The Music and Dance of Everything' - Acrylics on canvas - 65x50 cm |
Monday, February 18, 2019
Opening a dream
When I was in my early twenties and was awakening to my artistical self I sometimes saw strange inner images before me which I believe represented what I wanted to accomplish as an artist. They were a waking dream of sorts and even while the imagery wasn't very clear I found them very attractive in a mysterious sort of way. I wanted to see them. I yearned to create them. The following painting is probably the first piece I've made that has some of the quality of those dream paintings of the past. Watching this painting brings back those memories. I believe I may be getting closer to the essense of my work.
'Opening a Dream' - Acrylics on canvas - 50x65 cm |
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Rivers of lava and rivers of life
From the great mountains comes rivers of water, which makes life possible in the lands below, but fire too, comes from the mountains, bringing death and renewal if we take a positive approach. Water too can kill, flooding populated areas and producing land-slides. I find it interesting and a bit humbling to consider these double-edged gifts of the powerful and mysterious heights. This piece is called 'Fire and Water From the Heights'
'Fire and Water from the Heights' - Acrylics on canvas - 54x65 cm' |
Creating a moment
'In the Making of a Moment' - Acrylics on canvas - 65x50 cm |
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Remembering the ancient past
Looking at this, I see stories. I often do when I behold my work. Many things are happening in there, which made me ponder the idea of transgenerational memories. It may not be the kind of memories easily seen or recalled, but a deeper, inherited kind, which becomes integrated in the bones and marrow, influencing who you are (perhaps a result of all generations before you). I also thought about the 'Now' as a place where all times exist, but only one is registered or revealed. Just thoughts.
'Transgenerational Memories - Acrylics on canvas - 51 x 60 cm' |
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Climbing Olympus
Let's continue the theme of mountains from the previous post. Olympus is a famous mountain of mythology. It is where the Gods live, according to the ancient Greek mind-set. This was actually, and still is, a fairly common notion in many parts of the world - that the mountains are home to divine powers. Is there any truth in such ideas and images? Can they be helpful at all? Perhaps shed some light on the structure or experience of our inner selves, or maybe on our relationship to the vertical dimension of experience? In any case mountains are powerful, and I love being in and among them, even when they scare me.
'On the Slopes of Olympus' - Acrylics on canvas - 65x81 cm |
To discover your mountain
New work.
This is my first acrylic piece from 2019. It took a while to make it come together in a satisfying manner.
Are there mountains on the inside too?
Can they be scaled?
Can you build a home on them?
Can they be scaled?
Can you build a home on them?
'To Discover Your Mountain' - Acrylics on canvas - 81x65 cm |
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
The moonlight world
A piece from 2018 which has remained unposted until now. While colorful and fairly bright I have a feeling that this "scene" is taking place at night. Hence the title.
'The Moonlight Powers' - Acrylics on canvas - 81x65 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
The enigma of artmaking
This one took a while before it fell into place. I really had to rub it out of the canvas. Yet when it started to yield I could feel it come together. When that happens, that a painting "arrives" in a way which you could never have foreseen, it feels really weird and magical.
'Birds Flapping - Tune of Change' - Acrylics on canvas - 55x46 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
The Rule of Red
I was happy to see another red painting take shape in my studio. Since I work in a very intuitive fashion I don't really get to decide these things. Red is a very sensitive colour which can easily become too much and break up the balance of a piece. In this case I think we're okay. I'm not sure what this image means, if it has a meaning at all, but the shapes and colours made me go for a pretty title.
'Love Ascend' - Acrylics on canvas - 50x61 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Monday, March 19, 2018
A very nice feeling
In the beginning of February something happened when I was working in my studio. I sensed an inner shift of sorts which I believe changed my approach to painting. As an artist I would say that I am now more fearless, not as easily charmed, and my darlings now drop dead in deep mass graves of paint. ; )
I guess I have come to a point where painting is so every day that I no longer need to protect the results of my work, and that freedom (to destroy) enables me to take my creations further. That's what it feels like anyway. It somehow makes the work of painting richer and more enjoyable. I feel as if I'm able to work myself deeper into the canvas, making it give up another level of its secrets.
This is the first piece made since whatever happened. I call it Awakened Lands.
I guess I have come to a point where painting is so every day that I no longer need to protect the results of my work, and that freedom (to destroy) enables me to take my creations further. That's what it feels like anyway. It somehow makes the work of painting richer and more enjoyable. I feel as if I'm able to work myself deeper into the canvas, making it give up another level of its secrets.
This is the first piece made since whatever happened. I call it Awakened Lands.
'Awakened Lands' - Acrylics on canvas - 81x65 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
New Constructions
I've been negligent when it comes to updating this blog. It's time to change that, especially since I paint a lot more now than ever. Here is a piece that's a bit different from most of my work. It was made especially for the office of a construction company so I decided to go with harder and more geometrical forms, which I think worked well in this case, and it was very well received. I made it the spring of 2017.
'Hills to Houses' - Acrylics on wood panel - 150 60 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Make for thyself another Kingdom
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Chaos which we can handle
Chaos which we can handle we call order... or is it the other way around?
This is a new piece. Of course there is harmony.
This is a new piece. Of course there is harmony.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Sacrificing paint
Hi,
No, I'm not giving up painting, as the title of this blogpost might suggest. Rather, I'm spending more time with it again. Having made a lot of digital illustration lately I'm pleased to be pushing physical paint about again.
So, this is the first of a few new paintings which I'm sincerely happy about. There is something in this one that I've been waiting for. I can't put it into words, but it has to do with how the gaze is moved around by the forms and colours; How I can't find real rest in there, and yet is captured enough to keep looking. In short; I find this painting interesting to behold. It challenges me, while keeping me sufficiently entertained. There is a balance in the mess which stimulating to watch. Don't ask me why.
No, I'm not giving up painting, as the title of this blogpost might suggest. Rather, I'm spending more time with it again. Having made a lot of digital illustration lately I'm pleased to be pushing physical paint about again.
'Sacrificing Paint' - Acrylics on Canvas - 65 x 54 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Thursday, March 12, 2015
A more rewarding perspective on Life (Livet - ett fruktsammare perspektiv)
About 12 years ago, something silent but transformative happened to me as I walked across a busy square in Gothenburg city. It immediately changed my outlook on life, and clarified so many things for me. I can't really describe what happened, but I have made a few attempts at describing how my perspective on life looks from that moment. This is probably the best one:
The book - Livet: Ett fuktsammare perspektiv - is in Swedish, and I received it from the printer's today. The text itself was written in 2009 but has remained in digital form until I was given a grant from Stiftelsen Mäster Eckehart-sällskapet, to print the thing. It is a 112 pages philosophical book with a spiritual tone, written in an accessible language which should agree with the rational spirit of our time.
If you're interested in a copy you can order it from Bokus, or you can write me an email with your name and address. If you live in Sweden you will then (shortly) receive a book and an invoice in the mail. The price is 130 SEK including shipping. If you live elsewhere I will send you an invoice with a corresponding price in US dollars, but add a sum for the shipping.
The first 19 pages of the book can be previewed HERE
The book - Livet: Ett fuktsammare perspektiv - is in Swedish, and I received it from the printer's today. The text itself was written in 2009 but has remained in digital form until I was given a grant from Stiftelsen Mäster Eckehart-sällskapet, to print the thing. It is a 112 pages philosophical book with a spiritual tone, written in an accessible language which should agree with the rational spirit of our time.
If you're interested in a copy you can order it from Bokus, or you can write me an email with your name and address. If you live in Sweden you will then (shortly) receive a book and an invoice in the mail. The price is 130 SEK including shipping. If you live elsewhere I will send you an invoice with a corresponding price in US dollars, but add a sum for the shipping.
The first 19 pages of the book can be previewed HERE
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Journey of Color
Monday, August 12, 2013
Doors and Fates
Every stroke of the brush influence the outcome of the rest. Someone producing an exhibition sees your paintings and wants you to join the show. Someone arranges an art camp, and new motions are energized. I tend to look upon art as the natural expression of human beings. Trees, receiving the impressions of sunlight and water, express leaves. We are thrown into life and express art. We have always done so. It is our foot prints as a species. It is all very beautiful and simple, like most things are, if we dare let them be.
Art opens doorways to new impressions. Just like leaves can nourish animals of many kinds, art can nourish us. It becomes part of the great wheel, producing new dreams, and crushing others. This is a new piece of mine. I call it Doors and Fates. I see many beautiful paths, but the body is limited to one at a time.
Art opens doorways to new impressions. Just like leaves can nourish animals of many kinds, art can nourish us. It becomes part of the great wheel, producing new dreams, and crushing others. This is a new piece of mine. I call it Doors and Fates. I see many beautiful paths, but the body is limited to one at a time.
'Doors and Fates' - Acrylics on Canvas - 81 x 64 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Grand Adventure
The idea of having a picture before me (or in my head) and forcing
the painting to look like it has never really been my cup of tea.
Though that struggle may be very rewarding in many ways, I have
always preferred the adventure of not knowing where the journey ends,
at all. When I paint, I'd like the paintings to surprise me, and they
often do – occasionally even in a positive way.
The most adventurous thing I know is to walk a forest path without knowing where it ends. Those who did that in a time when we knew less about the world must have found it fantastic. The possible imaginary outcome of following a trail today is somewhat limited compared to what it was like in the middle ages, or even earlier. Just the notion of being in the woods, not knowing for sure, which kinds of beasts (or trolls?) lives there, is thrilling. I'm typically very satisfied with beholding the variation of plants wherever my steps take me, but the element of surprise is certainly a nice bonus.
Generally though, I think adventure is a state of mind, much more than exotic events and locations. It is an openness, I feel – an excitement of experience which comes when one is able to not take things for granted, and dare let go of control. Adventure is about being present and not constantly anticipating the next moment. When there is no plan, all moments look fresh. Well, something like that, anyway.
This one may be a little saturated on information, but I enjoy it anyway. It is 'The Grand Aventure'.
Clicking the image for a closer encounter is highly recommended.
The most adventurous thing I know is to walk a forest path without knowing where it ends. Those who did that in a time when we knew less about the world must have found it fantastic. The possible imaginary outcome of following a trail today is somewhat limited compared to what it was like in the middle ages, or even earlier. Just the notion of being in the woods, not knowing for sure, which kinds of beasts (or trolls?) lives there, is thrilling. I'm typically very satisfied with beholding the variation of plants wherever my steps take me, but the element of surprise is certainly a nice bonus.
Generally though, I think adventure is a state of mind, much more than exotic events and locations. It is an openness, I feel – an excitement of experience which comes when one is able to not take things for granted, and dare let go of control. Adventure is about being present and not constantly anticipating the next moment. When there is no plan, all moments look fresh. Well, something like that, anyway.
This one may be a little saturated on information, but I enjoy it anyway. It is 'The Grand Aventure'.
'The Grand Adventure' - Acrylics on Canvas - 100 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Clicking the image for a closer encounter is highly recommended.
Friday, September 7, 2012
I spy, with my little eye...
I never really decided to do abstract art. It was just something that happened as I opened up the doors and welcomed what I found there. For that reason, I don't mind when people see things in my work, and it is no problem when obvious figures appear, among the otherwise nameless forms. I try to be as honest and simple as I possibly can, and if that means saturated pinks and kittens, then so be it.
This piece has one such element, which several viewers have spotted. I'm not sure if it is coincidental, or in line with my sub- or unconscious will of expression. Can you also see it in there? ...and if you can, do you find it disturbing or helpful?
I call this piece 'Sounded his Trumpet'.
This piece has one such element, which several viewers have spotted. I'm not sure if it is coincidental, or in line with my sub- or unconscious will of expression. Can you also see it in there? ...and if you can, do you find it disturbing or helpful?
I call this piece 'Sounded his Trumpet'.
'Sounded his Trumpet' - Acrlics on Canvas - 54 x 65 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Contemporary as Hell!
One saying, which is doubtlessly true,
is that; The brain is like a sponge. It sucks up and is filled with
whatever surrounds it. With a little self-analysis it is quite
evident that one's thoughts, tastes, and preferences are shaped by
the milieu in which one spends time.
So, we currently have this thing called
contemporary art, which is a label as strange and illogical as
modern, and post-modern art. The good thing about art today is that
artists can deal with all subjects and all techniques, and pretty
much get away with it. Though there are certainly limitations in
most cultures, artists world-wide have at their disposal more diverse
tools, subjects, and arenas than ever before. What I find regrettable
though, is that the label 'contemporary art' seems to impose a
certain number of restrictions upon the art welcome in the
contemporary arena.
One gets the feeling that (regardless
of the very diverse materials and subjects) we have limited the
contemporary epithet to a certain style or expression. I can't really
put it in words, but it is evident to me, as I browse the
contemporary scene (at least in northern Europe), that what I see
looks a certain way. So called contemporary galleries show specific
styles of art. They show painting, sculpture, video, installation,
happenings, events, and all sorts of techniques for sure, but no
matter what kind of art they exhibit, it is kept within a certain
frame of expression, which seems to have remained the same for quite
some years now.
If I take the beginning of this post
into consideration, and include the natural tendency of human beings
to find a sense of belonging, it seems we have ended up with a
self-feeding, self-repeating kind of contemporary art culture, which
is far from as inventive and “post-post-modern” as it would like
to be.
I personally enjoy hoping, that by now,
we have the ability to move beyond fashion and style in the world of
art, to welcome all kinds of contemporary expression under the label
of 'contemporary', or even better, no label at all. The strength of
these times is a broadened acceptance and openness for the great
variety and possibilities of human expression. We are moving beyond
the tribal consciousness of the past, and into a new kind of freedom.
Simultaneously some groups seem to have decided that “contemporary”
looks and is a certain way... and unless you perform your song in
this particular dialect, you are not really a contemporary artist
(according to them), which is no less than saying; you do not fit in
this moment or age.
My question is naturally, how can you
not be a contemporary artist, living now? Surely, if you do not dwell
in the blogs, magazines and exhibitions of late very often, your
brain will not learn (ape) this language, and your artistic
expression will look unfashionable or simply strange to the regulars,
no matter how good an artist you are.
Art should be an expression from the
impression of life, primarily, I believe. Much of the art I see, seem
to be the result of other people's art (rather than life) and that
makes it art-ificial in my opinion.
Looking at my own art, I wonder if
people think of it as contemporary? Perhaps some do, but I suspect
most do not. The question, I think, is a failure in itself. To
understand and communicate with this contemporary time and culture,
we must look at all the ideas, expressions, and styles of all kinds
of artists alive today. All these are the contemporaries. The
contemporary is not a wish to find something which hasn't been
before, or to escape the past. Nor is it a certain style which
appeared a decade or two ago. The contemporary is – or should be –
all the voices rising naturally out of the current climate.
There, for example, I see a man
painting icons exactly like they did centuries ago. He does it now,
because now it is meaningful to him. He isn't imitating the
past because he has failed to recognize the present. He does it as a
direct result of his contemporary culture. The stress and consumerism
of today brought him to it. It is not an escape but a work and a
voice. That is as contemporary as it gets – a natural
expression of current impressions. If he did the same motifs, for the
same reason, but with the dyed seeds of genetically modified corn, or
on the green surface of Las Vegas game tables, he might actually be
welcome, but his deep, genuine commitment, devotion and skill is
hardly taken into account. It simply isn't “contemporary”
enough... by some people's ideas of what contemporary art is supposed
to be, or look like. In that way they limit and choke our breathing. Thus they make sheep
out of lions.
Please, Mr Artworld, whoever you are,
remove these masks behind which you have been hiding for so long. If
that means you can no longer reinvent yourself to a salable concept,
then so be it. It is time you expose your simplicity, and lay bare
your entire rainbow of wonder.
Monday, September 3, 2012
The Heart of Art
As I had finished this painting, knowing it was done, I was sort
of unimpressed by it. A few days later my mind had changed and I
started to enjoy it quite a lot. I'm not sure how well it comes
through here, but there is a sober calm over this piece, which
attracts me. Like most of my work it contains a lot of visual
information, but it is comparatively still. Also, the dominating blue
colors make for a certain peacefulness. I personally had to look at it for a few days before it spoke to me. What kind of time can you spare? ; )
Click to enlarge.
'Protectors of the Heart' - Acrylics on Canvas - 81 x 100 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Click to enlarge.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Turning colors into gold
Elements come together to make worlds. Isn't that strange? The
conditions for life on this planet are perfect, because it was the
conditions themselves that summoned life from the soil and waters.
Colors, in the hands of man, turn into art, and art then turns into? Conflict? Self-knowledge? Another level of consciousness? Its uses are many, of course. Provoke a new order into being, or question yourself into nihilism? Entertain us into stupidity, or enthrall us with the wizardry of beauty?
Whom or what do you make these colors serve? Are you perhaps serving them? As simple organisms evolve into more complex ones through mutation, do colors and art transform too? Is art perhaps a mere, inevitable out-breath? Must it be more than that?
Many questions today obviously. Those of you who have read a bit about alchemy, know that the physical work and ambitions of the laboratory, also had a parallel spiritual counterpart. Seeking the the quintessense (also known as the fifth element, or the philosopher's stone), was not just the material matter of turning things into gold, but also a deeper mental or spiritual mystery. The single-minded laborious work and concentration on the enigma of all things, could bring about results apart from the chemical ones, and these seemed to be equally valued by the alchemists.
So too, I find the work on the canvas to be but a reflection of what goes on in the studio. Artistry is not mainly about making paintings (or songs etc), and even if that is what we initially set out to do, the potentials of staring at artwork in progress are far more interesting.
This one is called 'New Era Alchemy'.
Cheers!
Colors, in the hands of man, turn into art, and art then turns into? Conflict? Self-knowledge? Another level of consciousness? Its uses are many, of course. Provoke a new order into being, or question yourself into nihilism? Entertain us into stupidity, or enthrall us with the wizardry of beauty?
Whom or what do you make these colors serve? Are you perhaps serving them? As simple organisms evolve into more complex ones through mutation, do colors and art transform too? Is art perhaps a mere, inevitable out-breath? Must it be more than that?
Many questions today obviously. Those of you who have read a bit about alchemy, know that the physical work and ambitions of the laboratory, also had a parallel spiritual counterpart. Seeking the the quintessense (also known as the fifth element, or the philosopher's stone), was not just the material matter of turning things into gold, but also a deeper mental or spiritual mystery. The single-minded laborious work and concentration on the enigma of all things, could bring about results apart from the chemical ones, and these seemed to be equally valued by the alchemists.
So too, I find the work on the canvas to be but a reflection of what goes on in the studio. Artistry is not mainly about making paintings (or songs etc), and even if that is what we initially set out to do, the potentials of staring at artwork in progress are far more interesting.
This one is called 'New Era Alchemy'.
'New Era Alchemy' - Acrylics on Canvas - 60 x 40 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Destiny of Color
Occasionally, as I give myself over to the brush and the canvas, something remarkable happens. From stroke one it feels as if the brush (Sorry God, no credit this time) knows what is about to happen. It feels as if it has a plan that I'm completely unaware of. I just allow it to move about, and do my best to keep up with where it is going. Be it some unconscious idea of mine, or other more mysterious powers involved.... I have no clue. What I can tell you for sure, is that I feel disconnected to what takes place before my eyes.
It is not like some spirit is forcing my hand about, but as I allow it to move freely, it surprises me at every turn. From stroke one, it seems to set its plan in motion. Yes, I realise this may sound big-time crazy, but I don't really mind. I'm just very fascinated by it, and it is also a way of introducing this next painting, which painted itself, all the way to the last stroke. It is simpler and not as dense as much of my other work. Perhaps even a bit sketchy. Still, I'm sure it is finished.
Sadly, I didn't here no voice telling me what to name the piece, so I had to settle with 'Where Sunlight Gathers'. I hope it will suffice.
I have heard the Surrealists experimented with automatic writing and so forth, and I'm sure most experienced artist have had some hightly intuitive or automatic moments, in their crafts. One can guess that, when the conscious awareness and thinking processes take a break, the subconscious and/or fully unconscious mind takes over (fully or partly). We're all great artists while we dream at night.
If this piece is better than my other paintings, is up to the beholder. For me, it is one of the more mysterious pictures "I" have made. I hope you enjoy it. As always, click to enlarge.
It is not like some spirit is forcing my hand about, but as I allow it to move freely, it surprises me at every turn. From stroke one, it seems to set its plan in motion. Yes, I realise this may sound big-time crazy, but I don't really mind. I'm just very fascinated by it, and it is also a way of introducing this next painting, which painted itself, all the way to the last stroke. It is simpler and not as dense as much of my other work. Perhaps even a bit sketchy. Still, I'm sure it is finished.
Sadly, I didn't here no voice telling me what to name the piece, so I had to settle with 'Where Sunlight Gathers'. I hope it will suffice.
'Where Sunlight Gathers' - Acrylics on Canvas' - 100 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
I have heard the Surrealists experimented with automatic writing and so forth, and I'm sure most experienced artist have had some hightly intuitive or automatic moments, in their crafts. One can guess that, when the conscious awareness and thinking processes take a break, the subconscious and/or fully unconscious mind takes over (fully or partly). We're all great artists while we dream at night.
If this piece is better than my other paintings, is up to the beholder. For me, it is one of the more mysterious pictures "I" have made. I hope you enjoy it. As always, click to enlarge.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Inner Fun Palace
When we hear the word fun, I suppose we tend to think primarily about things like parties, roller-coasters, and silly faces. There are however a lot of other things and activities around, which may be regarded as great fun. Though painting rarely bring about hysterical laughter, it can be seriously enjoyable and truly fun work. It can also cause pleasant bodily sensations of well-being and happiness.
Of course, painting can also be very frustrating and stressful at times. It all depends on how one approaches the work at hand, and what kind of hopes and ambitions we bring into it. When it comes to my personal results - the finished paintings - I rarely find them amusing to behold. They might be entertaining, or in other ways stimulating to look at, but I don't intentionally work with humor.
Some pieces however, like the one below, hold a somewhat lighter air, and seem more playful than others - at least to my eyes. Perhaps they even make me a little happy to watch? If you labelled them childish I wouldn't disagree... at least not entirely.
So welcome now to my inner Fun Palace. Let's play for a while, shall we?
Of course, painting can also be very frustrating and stressful at times. It all depends on how one approaches the work at hand, and what kind of hopes and ambitions we bring into it. When it comes to my personal results - the finished paintings - I rarely find them amusing to behold. They might be entertaining, or in other ways stimulating to look at, but I don't intentionally work with humor.
Some pieces however, like the one below, hold a somewhat lighter air, and seem more playful than others - at least to my eyes. Perhaps they even make me a little happy to watch? If you labelled them childish I wouldn't disagree... at least not entirely.
So welcome now to my inner Fun Palace. Let's play for a while, shall we?
Inner Fun Palace - Acrylics on Canvas - 100 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Monday, August 27, 2012
Druids at Rackstadmuseet?
Good news! Two of my paintings were selected to be shown at Höstalongen (Autumn Art Salon) at Rackstadmuseet in Arvika, beginning the 29th of September. Lots of other artists from Värmland will have their work on display, so I'm sure it will be worth a visit. More on that later, I suppose.
For now, I'm posting another new painting, which I call the Druid's Dream. Not that I see any druids in there, but the many greens and browns suggested this romantic sort of title. Something is happening again, and it might as well be some spirits of nature swirling around...as something else, don't you think?
Yes, I know it is just fields of paint, but the mind is persistent with trying to make sense of the information. That is one of the great aspects of non-figurative art, I think; That the mind is free to play with what it gets. In this uncertainty of forms and colours, it might even surrender and quiet down for a while, to just look for a few moments. Don't let the title limit your perception. Who knows what druids dream of anyway?
For now, I'm posting another new painting, which I call the Druid's Dream. Not that I see any druids in there, but the many greens and browns suggested this romantic sort of title. Something is happening again, and it might as well be some spirits of nature swirling around...as something else, don't you think?
Druid's Dream - Acrylics on Canvas - 46 x 61 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Yes, I know it is just fields of paint, but the mind is persistent with trying to make sense of the information. That is one of the great aspects of non-figurative art, I think; That the mind is free to play with what it gets. In this uncertainty of forms and colours, it might even surrender and quiet down for a while, to just look for a few moments. Don't let the title limit your perception. Who knows what druids dream of anyway?
Friday, August 24, 2012
Bread from the mountains
When I behold my images I see events. I rarely know what kind of events they are, but something is happening here, and it is taking place in the mountains. Forces come together and... what? Perhaps nature is happening? Elemental forces merging and crashing against each other to create a world, just like the many colors combine to make a painting - or even a work of art on a good day.
When the forms and colors interact they aim for a kind of balance, and when that balance draws near, I feel a deepened sense of presence, and the beauty which is born resounds inside of me. It is almost like a tone becoming distinct from a previous mess of vibrations.
Aesthetics, or art, holds the strange power to alter our moods, and to some level even our mode of consciousness. I don't know how it works, and can only pay witness to it as I make my paintings. To what extent, I wonder, can this fruitful moment of purity (if I may call it that) be communicated to the audience? Do these forms and colors do anything to you?
'In the Mountains' - Acrylics on Canvas - 61 x 50 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
When the forms and colors interact they aim for a kind of balance, and when that balance draws near, I feel a deepened sense of presence, and the beauty which is born resounds inside of me. It is almost like a tone becoming distinct from a previous mess of vibrations.
Aesthetics, or art, holds the strange power to alter our moods, and to some level even our mode of consciousness. I don't know how it works, and can only pay witness to it as I make my paintings. To what extent, I wonder, can this fruitful moment of purity (if I may call it that) be communicated to the audience? Do these forms and colors do anything to you?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The world in color
Here is the first image of my new work, which I intend to update this blog with, as long as I keep painting. I will not share everything, but a good deal of what I produce will be published here. For the rest of it, you shall have to visit future exhibition, or come take a look for yourself in my studio.
I like the motion in this one, and for some reason I think it has an ancient kind of mood to it, despite the playful forms. Perhaps it is the many ochre fields reminding me of old paintings and the mountains of historical Greece.
Feel free to leave a comment about what you see or think! Make sure to click the pic for a larger view, and please share, if you like... and dare.
(last part added for the sake of the rhyme...)
'As Worlds Swam By' - Acrylics on canvas - 100 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
I like the motion in this one, and for some reason I think it has an ancient kind of mood to it, despite the playful forms. Perhaps it is the many ochre fields reminding me of old paintings and the mountains of historical Greece.
Feel free to leave a comment about what you see or think! Make sure to click the pic for a larger view, and please share, if you like... and dare.
(last part added for the sake of the rhyme...)
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Birth of an Artist
Where does artistry begin? Did it ever? Do all children who are
given a box of crayons enjoy using them? Do we continue any action
for long without encouragement?
Impressions must lead to expressions. It is like breathing, in and out. All human beings who are physically able to, make sounds, and use their bodies to convey emotions, except perhaps those who are overcome by true apathy. Isn't it strange to limit our ways of expressing ourselves to words, when there are such amazing channels as painting, sculpturing, music-making, and dancing about?
It is likely that creativity and artistry is inherit in all of us - as a potential anyway. Our children spend a lot of time learning how to speak and write, but fewer spend any serious time, seriously learning how to paint (for example).... and only those who do, ever realize the full wealth of a new "language" - a new means of expression, interaction, and if one wishes - power. It is also, and entirely new way of thinking.
This painting (the last in this series of black and whites that I intend to post here) is like all my other work, a mystery to myself. As I initially watched it I saw white figures, or spirits moving about in the lower middle and right section. Seeing them I started to imagine a place where spirits (or souls) were created. Be it a hatchery or a factory, or something entirly mysterious, I don't know, but I ended up naming the piece “The Cradle of Souls”. Perhaps then, it is not where souls are made, but where they are raised and prepared for individuality. Maybe this is where the gift (or curse?) of artistry is bestowed? ; )
I have ordered a new camera, to more simply and more efficiently make better reproductions of my artwork. When it arrives I will start shooting my new color work. Until then - paint something!
(You can click the images for a larger display...)
Impressions must lead to expressions. It is like breathing, in and out. All human beings who are physically able to, make sounds, and use their bodies to convey emotions, except perhaps those who are overcome by true apathy. Isn't it strange to limit our ways of expressing ourselves to words, when there are such amazing channels as painting, sculpturing, music-making, and dancing about?
It is likely that creativity and artistry is inherit in all of us - as a potential anyway. Our children spend a lot of time learning how to speak and write, but fewer spend any serious time, seriously learning how to paint (for example).... and only those who do, ever realize the full wealth of a new "language" - a new means of expression, interaction, and if one wishes - power. It is also, and entirely new way of thinking.
This painting (the last in this series of black and whites that I intend to post here) is like all my other work, a mystery to myself. As I initially watched it I saw white figures, or spirits moving about in the lower middle and right section. Seeing them I started to imagine a place where spirits (or souls) were created. Be it a hatchery or a factory, or something entirly mysterious, I don't know, but I ended up naming the piece “The Cradle of Souls”. Perhaps then, it is not where souls are made, but where they are raised and prepared for individuality. Maybe this is where the gift (or curse?) of artistry is bestowed? ; )
'The Cradle of Souls' - Acrylics on Canvas - 273 x 100 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
I have ordered a new camera, to more simply and more efficiently make better reproductions of my artwork. When it arrives I will start shooting my new color work. Until then - paint something!
(You can click the images for a larger display...)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Worlds collide, and I sign paintings
I have just framed, signed, and titled three paintings for a
juried exhibition coming up soon, and hope to have at least one of
them accepted for the exhibition. I took some photos as well, so in
either case I will display them here eventually (must get a better
camera... ).
Framing and signing paintings is not very rewarding, nor can it be classified as very important work. Of course, the impression of the artwork is greatly improved by the frames, and if watching art has any value at all, I dare say it has now been increased.
Producing art is a truly weird thing, and I suspect most artist regularly question the value and meaning of it. The thing is that once the basic needs have been taken care of we are supposed to aim for things like creativity, fulfillment etc - at least according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I believe that's the problem for most people. The invisibility of inner growth, and inner fulfillment simply can't be displayed or measured very well. If we build a sun porch, or add an extra floor to our house, the achievement is clearly visible to all. And if we eat more expensive food, wear more expensive clothes and so on, we also experience a verifiable change. The thing is, we are then only expanding the basic needs.
Inner transformation, happiness, love, harmony, and similar aims are not achieved as easily, and should we attain them, our neighbors will not see them (as clearly). An uncertain path, with an uncertain destination, await those who wish to climb further up Maslow's pyramid.
So, does adding paint to a canvas really lead anywhere? There are real problems out there in the world, and you stand here smearing paint? Get a job! Inner and outer worlds - don't they all collide?
Framing and signing paintings is not very rewarding, nor can it be classified as very important work. Of course, the impression of the artwork is greatly improved by the frames, and if watching art has any value at all, I dare say it has now been increased.
Producing art is a truly weird thing, and I suspect most artist regularly question the value and meaning of it. The thing is that once the basic needs have been taken care of we are supposed to aim for things like creativity, fulfillment etc - at least according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I believe that's the problem for most people. The invisibility of inner growth, and inner fulfillment simply can't be displayed or measured very well. If we build a sun porch, or add an extra floor to our house, the achievement is clearly visible to all. And if we eat more expensive food, wear more expensive clothes and so on, we also experience a verifiable change. The thing is, we are then only expanding the basic needs.
Worlds Collide - Acrylics on Canvas - 55 x 38 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
Inner transformation, happiness, love, harmony, and similar aims are not achieved as easily, and should we attain them, our neighbors will not see them (as clearly). An uncertain path, with an uncertain destination, await those who wish to climb further up Maslow's pyramid.
So, does adding paint to a canvas really lead anywhere? There are real problems out there in the world, and you stand here smearing paint? Get a job! Inner and outer worlds - don't they all collide?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
One Man's Dance
Here is another black and white painting from 2009. I see a man dancing. No, he's not dancing yet. He is standing in the middle of a storm, throwing him here and there to its chaotic rythms. Then, perhaps, he gives in and stops fighting the winds of the four directions. Thus he dances at last, harmonious amongst the high energy forms, now unable to harm him. He has become the storm at last. Yes, he really is dancing.
Or, it could simply be some strokes of acrylics...
Or, it could simply be some strokes of acrylics...
'One Man's Dance' - Acrylics on canvas - 65 x 81 cm - Niklas J Brandow (Sold) |
Monday, August 13, 2012
A New Bloggish Dawn
From now on this will be the prime online presence of my paintings and other fine art projects. The old site www.brandow.se will stay up for quite some time to come, but this is the blog to bookmark if you wish to keep updated on my present and future art activities.
To get this blog rolling, I thought I'd post some paintings from a black and white series in acrylics, which I made a few years back. Some of these have been on display on a couple of locations in Denmark, at Kristenehamn Art Museum, Sweden, and in my home. Let's begin with a painting I call 'Entering as Two'.
As always, you shouldn't care much about my titles, which merely reflect my personal initial reaction to a piece, yet looking at this one I saw a couple coming together into (or leaving) a cave of some importance. Perhaps it is about personal development, or inner transformation, achieved through relationship, benefiting both parties.
I'll post some more of these black and whites, while I let my new (colorful) paintings hang for a while. If they hold up, you should see a couple of them here in a few weeks. Welcome!
(I appreciate all help to get some audience over this way in the initial stages. If you enjoy what you see you can like or tweet, below. Thanks!)
To get this blog rolling, I thought I'd post some paintings from a black and white series in acrylics, which I made a few years back. Some of these have been on display on a couple of locations in Denmark, at Kristenehamn Art Museum, Sweden, and in my home. Let's begin with a painting I call 'Entering as Two'.
'Entering as Two' - Acrylics on Canvas - 46 x 38 cm - Niklas J Brandow |
As always, you shouldn't care much about my titles, which merely reflect my personal initial reaction to a piece, yet looking at this one I saw a couple coming together into (or leaving) a cave of some importance. Perhaps it is about personal development, or inner transformation, achieved through relationship, benefiting both parties.
I'll post some more of these black and whites, while I let my new (colorful) paintings hang for a while. If they hold up, you should see a couple of them here in a few weeks. Welcome!
(I appreciate all help to get some audience over this way in the initial stages. If you enjoy what you see you can like or tweet, below. Thanks!)
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