Michael Dicken

My works emulate the southwest landscapes.  My images are another perspective of the mountains, desert, and canyons.  The paper is particularly sensitive to the textural qualities of the landscape surface.  Just as southwest light excites the landscape surfaces, so does the neon light enhance the paint and paper surfaces.

Some works are the combination of two diverse media; hand cast paper and neon lighting.  Images are created by casting paper over a low to medium relief plate usually made of foam or plaster.  After drying, sizing, and painting, neon light is added to complete the work.  The “Goose Necks” was cast from one hundred and ten gallons of cotton linter pulp.  The 36”x 48”x 8”cast took 6 weeks to dry.

My most recent works are hand cast paper bowls that reflect the southwest  landscapes.   I begin by casting paper slurry over a textured and oval plate.  After the paper is dry, the casting is decorated with rich acrylic paint.