John Van Praag

Sailfish Fiber, gesso, stretcher 48" x 48" photo © 1995, John Van Praag

Artist's Statement: During the past few years I have been making pictorial fiber sculptures: Within square wooden stretchers I wrestle fibers such as jute twine, string, thread, fishing line, strips of canvas, and torn clothing into compositions displaying myriad shapes, textures, and moods.

I usually paint a work with white gesso (a substance like thick paint) though recently I've used black gesso and other colors as well. Painting it protects and binds in place the fiber; more importantly it adds new resonances. White fibers can suggest lace, coral, carved ivory, nerve cells, spider webs; black may resemble stained wood, plants entangled in shadow, tendon and muscle.