Northern Californian artist Klari Reis has done hundreds of these.
I love them. So much.
I think epoxy, which she paints with is very cool.
Klari Reis produces beautiful richly coloured abstract paintings using an unusual medium called epoxy polymer, a synthetic plastic derived from crude oil that is more commonly used to water seal boats. This intriguing plastic she pours over the aluminium base that she uses as a canvas to create a highly plasticized and satisfyingly touchable smooth colourful surface.
It ain’t simple stuff.
The procedure and materials necessary to execute the paintings are consistent with the artist’s intent to integrate science and art. Many works are produced on aluminum panels, suggesting a clinical, yet high-tech backdrop. Epoxy polymer is a toxic material upon application. Its use requires the artist to wear a fume mask, eye protection, boots, barrier creams (on any potentially exposed skin), latex gloves and disposable clothing. Once dried, the epoxy polymer is nontoxic and virtually impenetrable. Each painting is molded and set in layers. At a certain point, the picture paints itself and the artist is no longer in control.
Epoxy polymer is a synthetic plastic, similar to resin, yet with elastic and UV properties. Klari mixes each color with acrylic binders and pigments before application. The effect is significant to the artist’s work, evoking artificiality because of its smooth sheen and brilliant color. The finish is touchable, durable, and reflective. When observing a painting, it is possible for the viewer to be drawn in by his or her own reflection.
Here is a PDF file with more examples of her installations, and details by the gallery that has adopted her work.
Here is an article on her collection, and an excerpt:
Reis is known for her biological inspiration. She previously produced a series of one hundred images based on drugs. Microbially inspired works seem like a natural follow on to that. When asked about it, Reis seemed to agree.
“My work for the past six years has revolved around cellular imagery and natural formations. Evolving into working with Petri dishes seemed like a logical next step to emphasis the overall theme in my artwork. I have been creating groupings of small Petri dish paintings for two years now. However, I am always working on large scale paintings at the same time. I am currently manufacturing large scale Petri dishes with a 45-inch diameter to create larger scale works with the same depth as their smaller counterparts.”
Reis uses brightly colored dyes to emphasize the different elements of an actual living culture. The results can be strikingly similar to real colonies on a plate.
If you are keen on her, check out this video interview with her, on Youtube.
I think it’s fun to wear a belt of an animal I am actually afraid of, found on Restless General Store’s Etsy.
What golden, slinking, gorgeousness:
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I leave you with the joyous knowledge that Malaysians have made it onto Alice’s Modern Met, an amazing blog that has led me to many amazing visual finds. I have chosen the least environmentally “preachy” illustration to show you here, although his Env Prchy ones are actually richer and more varied in ideas:
Heng Swee Lim has a website called I Love Doodle.
Another Malaysian, who appeared on Alice, is apparently a mod legend at Threadless. Quirky is Chow Hon Lam‘s work.
And my favourite of his so far is this one, so warm and lovely, and what a lovely burnt red:
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And the Surrealist Compliment Generator, with gems such as these:
GLOWDOWN 