A Dole, A Flight, Or A Piteousness
The second completed work of 2022. It was commented on by one person who said it has the qualities of past abstract masters. Of course, I’m honored to receive such a kindness, but my intentions were not to emulate any particular artist or style. Instead, as with all my works, I look inward in an attempt to find out what I’m all about and bring it out. Influences will always work their way in, very true, I’m happy to say though, this is indeed a W.S. Cranmore original.
Responses (3)
May 17, 2022
The shadows in this are sick!!!
May 16, 2022
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and when it comes to abstract painting, so is everything else. W.S. Cranmore’s A Dole, A Flight, Or A Piteousness is a testament to the intensely subjective malleability of abstraction. How one interprets the present work is entirely a function of circumstance and personal experience. To my concrete-jungle-born-eyes, A Dole, A Flight, Or A Piteousness is an urban landscape. The flatness of the composition initially recalls an aerial view, but upon further inspection, it feels closer to folk art. With this interpretation in mind, the title takes on new meaning (I have no idea if this is what the artist intended, but the variation between the viewer’s understanding and that of the artist often spurs the most exciting conversations): a dole is usually an altruistic (often they fall woefully short) act of support by the government. So, I look at the work and think of the public housing I grew up in, full of life, excitement, and working spirit but also awash in pitiful conditions. I really love this work.
May 17, 2022
Thank you once again, Mr. Crowther, for your generous and insightful critique. It is always a joy to hear the perspectives of others when they view my work. In particular, I was intrigued by your comments on the dole. That was something I did not consider and I love that viewpoint. When I begin a painting, I try to empty my mind if distractions and current issues so that images, thoughts, and memories can come forward. I’ve found that much of my work seems to be memories of places. The abstract look is from many memories competing for canvas space. “A Dole, A Flight, Or A Piteousness “ recalls places I grew up in and around in Michigan- Flint, Detroit, Northern Michigan, etc. There was a person I remember who cared for doves in Flint, I’ll always remember their cooing, that’s where the title comes from- a dole, a flight, or a piteousness are names for groups of doves. Hope this reply wasn’t too long. Thanks again and best regards.
- Category
- Abstract Expressionism, Abstraction
- Type
- Painting - Unframed
- Materials
- Charcoal, Acrylic, Canvas
- Dimensions
-
40.00 inches wide
30.00 inches tall
2.00 inches deep - Weight
- 8.00 lbs
- Location
- Portland, OR, US
