Seven Conversations on color with Shane Guffogg and his studio manager, Victoria Chapman written from 2019-2020
Shane Guffogg and Victoria Chapman share conversations about color and art history
Seven Conversations on Color
Written by Victoria Chapman, and Shane Guffogg
Available in softcover. Text with full-color pages
Features & Details
Primary Category: Arts & Photography Books
Project Option: 6×9 in, 15×23 cm
# of Pages: 200ISBN
Softcover: 9798211375642
Publish Date: Apr 04, 2023
Language English
About writing this book with Shane Guffogg
Color has always fascinated me. But Shane Guffogg's artistic language, often described as 'visual harmonies' (the artist hears color and sees sound) through modes of color, and transparencies of painted light, invites the viewer to contemplate the infinite dimensions of color that can seemingly be felt. Shane's exploration of color is transcribed by concepts related to time and space. His unique vision is partially based on capturing what is often called 'the eternal moment.' He thinks of his art as a lens that looks at humanity from the past and present and views time as threads connecting all people; by observing his studio practice in Hollywood, where he works, and lives, color has become so much more to me. Shane showed me the expressive side of color, which comes from the artist's mind and then gets translated into his paintings. He satisfies a viable need to feel and understand an unspoken truth.
Shane refers to me as his studio manager, but the most important thing for me is to stay out of his way and respect his creative process. I observe his movements, note his decisions, and keep the studio office records in order. I feel privileged to work with him daily, sending emails on his behalf and communicating with museums, collectors, gallerists, and curators requesting his work. What does this have to do with color? A lot! Watching Shane paint for me begins with a ritual of being conscious of the outside world as much as the inner self. He taught me that too. Carefully, he crafts his day, going from one studio to the next. Shane has shared with me his ideas of the essence of life that are essential on every level and often begin with seeking out a color that reflects his thoughts. The artist has shown me that color can symbolize an expressive feeling and reference the imaginary hues of our souls.
This process of learning from Shane began with me asking questions, which is the basis for this simple book of essays. Shane and I often discuss his work and art history outside the studio. But these conversations begin with me looking at his paintings but not telling him what I think, but asking questions about how he feels about them; his body movement to create them, his thoughts that inform those brush strokes, and whether he is affected or inspired by dreams. How does he choose what colors he wants to use on any given day, and why? This will often turn into an art history discussion which will leave me with much to think about. For example, he might mention he was thinking about a painting by Rembrandt or a phrase in a poem by T. S. Eliot and wanted to dialogue with the maker. Shane may take this dialogue and work it into his painting. This is another fascinating conversation -- Influence. I have read a great deal about art history on my own, went to art school, and worked in museums learning firsthand from the art and listening to what the paintings might say. Shane has encouraged this later exercise and given me insight into the artist's practice from his understanding and belief.
While in the studio, as a rule, I do not disturb Shane when he is painting, but we often meet up for lunch. During these lunch breaks, we sit in the courtyard outside the studio and talk about the painting he is working on or something I am moved by within. From that point, my questions begin to percolate. They may touch on reaching into the past or present treasure trove -- something I read saw, or felt about the art world. That will return to his work and, most likely, the painting he is working on. Thankfully he has always honored these conversations, which first turn into essays shared in the studio newsletter. I always believed the best way for collectors to learn about Shane is to understand how he works and what he thinks about. Shane has generously encouraged this process and has allowed me to share this platform with the public.
But how does this process get woven into the day? Many of these conversations lead to me wanting to do more research to prepare my thoughts better. Which then becomes a written format of emailing Shane a more straightforward question. I send my emails at night, and Shane writes back early the next morning (he does his writing in the early morning when the world is quiet). This process often flows into the next day, extending the conversation to the next question. Or, quite often, I need a few days for our discussion to sink in. Where after, I return with clarity and the next question. Shane is generous with his time, recognizing my curious nature. These ongoing conversations have turned into many essays about different subjects. I hope you enjoy this book and may reflect on Shane's art and contemplate the invisible layers that make his paintings so unique and contemplate art history and how color is used along the way.
- Victoria Chapman
Studio Manager, Los Angeles, CA