New Directions (Well Several Actually...)

     I have been a really busy guy these last few weeks, and it all has to do with the fact that I have come up with a way to merge several different, principles, concepts, and techniques into (what I hope will turn out to be) a really flawless result. I have known about artist Riusuke Fukahori for some time...

This is one of Fukahori's pieces. The result is mesmerizing!

     Fukahoris has figured out a way to create 3-dimensional goldfish by combining layers of resin with acrylic paint to literally "sculpt" the object into view. The resin allows for the light around each painted layer to bend slightly, creating an illusionary effect where the object that is painted appears to truly exist.
     Many artists have adopted this technique that Fukahori has developed, yet I have never seen anyone use it for something other than painting aquatic animals. I decided to try a similar technique as an experiment this week, using layers of cut plexiglass to achieve a similar effect for an Allens Hummingbird.

     The flatness of the plexi presented itself to be a bit of a hindrance to the overall effect, and still made it appear fairly flat - the resin, I realized, is key for making the sculptural effect take place, and I am currently working toward experimenting with painting layers in Polyester Casting Resin.
While this is a fairly popular technique thanks to the internet, I have never seen anyone use it past painting goldfish or other aquatic animals (this goes for professional artists as well). Opening this up to more subjects that present more sculptural challenges, would be an interesting direction for me to go with my work.
     I would very much like to try this out, and perfect this technique for two reasons - number 1, it will allow me to literally create specimens which appear to truly be there BEYOND an illusion achieved by accurate painting. Additionally, the technique is one that plays to two of my interests and strengths in art - sculpture and painting. I will be able to combine BOTH of these skills in order to pull off a realistic result.
      I am currently experimenting with resin (both learning to measure and pour it properly as well as change up my own painting techniques to work for this new kind of process). I am SUPER stressed this week (who isn't?) but I cannot wait to see what happens if I am able to pull this technique off!!