install theme
Blues Trane. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘My first “cubistic” approach. The border lines themselves were nothing much more than that- borders. The lines don’t create an individual life, the lines act as edges only to obscure the form. More of an experiment to see what develops. The head does become something that plays well with the idea…’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Diz and Bird. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘For an artist in a trade. The recipient did not care for it all that much. To me, Dizzy Gillespies’ music is pretty straight forward. I did paint this with the idea of sculpture in mind, which I regularly do, but I could not bring myself to create a piece that was very far-reaching. His glasses are to be seen as being carved out, creating the shadow inside the “caves”.’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Eric Dolphy (Variations). Artist Martel Chapman: ‘These are three separate pieces, with the middle image being the initial session of The Prophet on the right end. The first, Eric Dolphy Sculptural is the concept of a built sculptural bust with improvised items to create the portrait. The “HY” in the background is a tribute to Dolphy’s Out to Lunch! album. This is my main approach in portraiture, as I am trying to put a visual to an improvised theme; in this case, Eric Dolphy.’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Changeling. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘An active portrait to subtly depict the transitions of Miles Davis’ artistry. Davis was ever-changing, always exploring different music.’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Misterioso. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘To the Monk tune “Misterioso”. This is about the tenth variation of this theme, a different approach that started with a straight-ahead portrait. I am trying to bring out what the basic concepts of musical notes and geometric shapes and incorporate these ideas into portraits that put the musician inside the musical piece. The angular sound of Monk really shows well in this approach.’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Transfiguration. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘This became an extension of Blues Trane. Titled after a Coltrane composition “Transfiguration.” The angles are playing off one another, with the triangles as shoulders and suit coat. The circles are playing off the horn, to the eye and to the “halo”, as to depict Coltrane’s spirituality and vision.’ Martel Chapman’s website.
Monk. Artist Martel Chapman: ‘Originally a paint over of an older painting. The excessive layers of paint played a role into how I went about this one, not a lot of brush work. Mainly pushing and moving the paint. In honor of my favorite Thelonious Monk album Monk Alone.’ Martel Chapman’s website.