TOM MAZZULLO

WRAPS

In this series, I start with scraps of paper, twisted, tied, or wrapped around objects, in order to make complex, beautiful objects with many minute changes in surface quality. I find these challenging and fun to draw, and conceptually interesting as well, as I am trying to create something out of almost nothing.

Lately I have been aware of the temporary quality of beauty. One minute there is grace, and balance, and perfection, and a second later, that feeling is lost, replaced with the ordinary or the uninteresting. These works are drawn from ephemeral materials, and, in fact, the still life has a tendency to unwind as I draw it, adding to both the complexity and the sense of melancholy. These drawings try to capture one perfect moment to hold on to. It takes me roughly a week to decide on a subject, plan the drawing, and execute the finished work. The paleness and precision of silverpoint allows me to work slowly, spending time examining the subject then bringing it to life gradually, in subtle, exact tones.