Max D. Standley essay
The artwork on this website can be found at the galleries.
At first glance my paintings and engravings appear to be realistic. *(More about the engravings)
Then, as they are looked at closer, you may see hidden and overt archetypical symbols, with hints of biomorphic and visionary imagery. You can look at it as a coded mystery, a visual scavenger hunt for the meaning of each symbol, all wrapped in a seemingly realistic vision.
A significant number of the oil paintings and recent engravings will induce visual shifts; some of the hidden images will be in the negative space (the space around objects).
I am especially attracted to water. It lends itself to manipulation, allowing the subconscious forms to appear. I have to be cautious not to drown in the imagery, though.
By layering the imagery and symbology I'm exploring the phenomena of time and space, as it takes time to perceive everything.
The "I see what you say" motif repeats itself in my work by blending the features of one visage with another.
Ambiguity is fertile ground for the imagination.
I hope you find my artwork a healing experience.
Max D. Standley
*About engravings: they are not etchings, although they are also intaglio prints. Engravings use no coatings or chemicals to make the marks on the plate. A more thorough description is on the FAQ page and the Engraving information page.
- Step by step look at paintings as they are painted.
- Step by step look at engravings as they are engraved and printed, along with engraving tools in another area. A few of the tools have been customized.
- How the artwork is framed.
- Slide shows of a sampling of the available paintings and engravings.
- Educational and Informational pages on this website where you can find out all sorts of things about Max D. Standley artwork, and artwork in general.
Please contact R. Michelson Galleries to see and purchase paintings and/or engravings (or Fine Impressions for engravings).
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