1. Preliminary Photographs
Because of the nature of food and it's tendency to decay, fruit and meat has been a traditional subject in painting through the history of art. Painting allowed a preservation for those objects in the real world that have a temporary existence, of which eventually decompose and lose their ideal beauty. Flowers and fruit, meat and game have been painted in sensuous detail before they break down completely.
When Photography was developed, painting was eclipsed with a faster and more accurate way of preserving those detail of the decaying materials in their fresh splendor.With the movement from intense study in painting, to instant capture on film, there is at times a loss in careful awareness and study of the matter and its presence in space.
2.Goals of Study
I have also relied on the fast and effective preservation of photography, but nonetheless with an intention to study these beef shanks with a more careful and concentrated way. I want the photographs to be a first step in a deeper exploration.
In a subsequent post I aim to provide an account of my development and study of these and other meat subject matter. With drawings and ultimately a final oil painting, I hope to be more acquainted with the subtle aesthetics found in these dying and luminous materials.
3. Organic Forms, Textures and Themes
The fibers of the beef have interesting and responsive characteristic, and the contrast between soft muscle and solid bone will be a constructive way to practice painting techniques. The color of the oxygen-rich flesh tinged with hues of blue, purple and cream, will be a delight in imitating and bring a new challenge to a photographer who mostly deals in the monotone world of Van Dyke Brown prints.
I hope to explore themes of Strength and Supple-ness, on the transfer of energy in Decay and Digestion, and the way we relate to the inanimate in a way that reminds us of the living organism that provide our nutrients.