Paper Ashes

Bette Burgoyne, Paper Ashes, 14" x 9", black paper, white and silver pencils

Bette Burgoyne is a Seattle-based artist whose recent works are made with only a white prismacolor pencil and black paper. I asked her to describe her methods for this post:

Similar to jazz improvisation, I begin with a thematic structure while encouraging form and movement to emerge by rubbing and scratching with my pencil. For example, I conceive a drawing with a flexible construct in mind of "smoke" or "waves" or "reflection" and elaborate from there. Impressions from my subconscious collection of trees, water, mycological formations, minerals, and clouds are defined by applying veils and layers of visual information.

The results recall for me Max Ernst's photograms (see one at the bottom of this post) and Hans Bellmer's drawings. I'm really pleased to share them here!

Bette Burgoyne, Cirrostratus, 9" x 6.5", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Whisper Vapor, 16" x 21", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, The Knot, 19" x 22", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Nag Champa, 8" x 6", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Auricula, 10" x 12.5", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Clathrus Morning, 16" x 22", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Sacrum, 10" x 6.5", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Fountain, 10" x 15", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Primordia, 13.5" x 16", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Transillumination, 25" x 30", black paper, white pencil

Bette Burgoyne, Water White and Black, black paper, white and silver pencils