During the creation of a new work, whether it is a painting, print, or mixture of mediums, I have learned to value how the art process evolves the work into something more than what was originally intended. As Picasso said,
"A picture is not thought out and settled beforehand. While it is being done it changes as one's thoughts change."
My initial thoughts often begin with nature, natural science, geographical shapes and cartography. Some works are simply a reaction to what I see around me. The unique character and story that I find in the Maritime landscape never ceases to fascinate me.
Printmaking is my favorite medium for exploring art process and discovering unique combinations of images. It often reacquaints me with a more child-like sense of wonder about the "how and why" of creation.
In other works, I examine humankind's role within the natural world. Satellite technology offers us a new perspective that exposes our impact on the natural environment. It also reveals nature's powerful impact on us. These appear to me as competing sets of aesthetics but they also appear interconnected and interdependent.
~ Michael McEwing
