Rearden Steel
Acrylic on dimensional panel, maximum dimensions (HxWxD): 28x44.5x4”, 2020
About this work
I created this work on a dimensional panel which varies in height, width, and depth across the work, though much more subtly so than La Vie de Sirène or Midnight Duel. Here, a lower emphasis on dimensionality is complimented by an increased emphasis on illusionism, nearing trompe’loil, as the warm greys, iridescent silvers, and subtle touches of bronze and copper take on the appearance of industrial metal. On closer inspection, intricate details in the panel’s surface emerge, bringing to one’s awareness the wood panel on which the work was created. As one moves around the work, a gold undertone emerges, and under the right lighting conditions (warm lighting in the 3000k range—most of the lighting in homes is around this temperature), the gold even begins to jockey for predominance with the silver.
This work, like many others, was titled by my partner, Caitlin Lissauer. Here, the work’s title is in reference to Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged,” specifically the protagonist Hank Rearden, a maverick steel and metals industrialist.
Shop
Original work. Acrylic on dimensional panel, 2020. This work varies in height, width, and depth. Maximum dimensions are 28x44.5x4”. Minimum depth is 1.5” at the lower right.
About this work:
I created Rearden Steel on a dimensional panel which varies in height, width, and depth across the work, though much more subtly so than “La Vie de Sirène” or “Ascension”. Here, a lower emphasis on dimensionality is complimented by an increased emphasis on illusionism, nearing trompe’loil, as the warm greys, iridescent silvers, and subtle touches of bronze and copper take on the appearance of industrial metal. On closer inspection, intricate details in the panel’s surface emerge, acknowledging the materiality of the substrate and highlighting the near through the element involved in the work’s creation.
The work’s title is in reference to Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged,” specifically the protagonist Hank Rearden, a maverick steel and metals industrialist.
Details:
I created Rearden Steel using archival methods and materials. The wood I used to construct the panel is prized for its dimensional stability, and I only used professional-quality acrylic paints with excellent lightfastness ratings when painting it. I varnished the work to further ensure that it retains its color, vibrancy, and iridescence, and I signed, titled, and dated it on the back. It is wired on the back as well for easy hanging. No framing is necessary, as the composition covers all visible sides. With this in mind, I have adhered shallow bumper pads to the back of the work to raise it off the wall slightly, for the sake of both your wall and the work itself.
This work is shipped in a custom made, archival box of my own design which can also be used for storing or transporting the work in the future. I have a philosophy that when a collector purchases a work online, the packaging introduces them to the work in person. I aim to make a good first impression, so the box I build for each piece fits it precisely and is a work of art in-and-of itself.
Shipping is free to the contiguous US, and I offer flat-rate shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. International collectors, please contact me for a shipping estimate.
I also offer personal delivery and installation of the work, depending on your location and proximity to Knoxville, TN. I will contact you after you purchase the work to make arrangements.