LOCAL ARTIST IS AWARDED FIRST PLACE IN MIXED MEDIA AT THE ARTIGRAS ART FESTIVAL
Gilder recognized for his use of unconventional medium to create art
Royal Palm Beach FL, Feb. 19, 2012 – B. Corey Johnson was recognized as the leader in the mixed media category when he was awarded first place at the ArtiGras Art Festival at Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter this past weekend. He was listed in this category because his medium is so avant-garde that it was difficult to classify.
Most people are surprised to learn that there is no use of any paints, pigments, stains, dyes, toners, inks, tints or glazes on any of the artwork. Corey has pioneered a technique of creating images using metal leaf, ranging from pure 24 karat gold to copper and aluminum, which is then layered over wood using traditional oil gilding techniques. He then applies various acid washes to chemically oxidize these metals, resulting in a patina that produces a broad range of the colors and textures.
His first series, which was on display at ArtiGras, depicts the various breeds of Koi that are so realistic you feel as though you could reach in and pick them up out of the water. It definitely caught the eyes and interest of all the judges at the event. A couple of the judges even came back to the check on Corey the next day hoping that the combined scores from all the judges garnered him the award.
Artist Statement:
As an artist, my medium of choice is gilding, although gilding is typically thought of as a craft. It is usually seen as the embellishment that accentuates some other work that has been deemed “art”, whether it’s the magnificent gilding on the altar at the Notre Dame cathedral or the gold leaf that adorns a Gustav Klimt painting. Rarely is gilding perceived as a viable art medium that can stand by itself as the finished product. With this in mind, I set out to challenge public perception of gilding with a series of images using nothing but gilding materials and techniques.
The combination of the layered metal leaf and the application of various acid washes to create a realistic image results in a visual experience that cannot be replicated by any other painting or printing process. I complete each piece with a contemporary water gilded frame. This harmonious union of gilded image and frame transcends the idea of gilding as a craft, and creates a truly unique work of art.
