Resurrection



More on taking something old and making it work:

This is an original Caldwell from 1959. I don't know who Caldwell was, but their abstract ink-over-watercolor ended up an an auction months ago. It was in a non-descript brown wood frame with a filthy linen liner. I got it for less than 10 bucks.

The framing was hideous, but there was something about it image I found compelling. When I took it apart I found the painting had been masking taped to the back of a print of Van Gogh's Sunflowers. I have to love someone who would flip over a bad print and display their own painting.

There are some dark aquas and some cochineal-type reds, and the shapes always make me think "medieval" for some reason. It's now safely mounted on acid-free board, with a simple ivory mat and black frame. Originally it had a standard 2 inch mat all around. I've matted it at 4 inches on the top and sides and a bit more on the bottom. It's beautiful, and one of those things I know I'll keep for a long time.

2 comments:

columnist said...

Can you imagine if it had been the other way round....you'd found an original Van Gogh?! But I agree, there's something rather compelling about it, and you've certainly framed it well.

Anonymous said...

Hi David,

I'm another "David in KC". I've noticed your comments, particularly on Joe.My.God. I'd been using "David in KC" to comment on various blogs, but didn't want folks to get us confused.

Shoot me an e-mail at hunk1229@mindspring.com.