Lichtenberg figures are fractal, branching, tree-like
patterns that are created by the passage of high voltage electrical discharges
along the surface, or through, electrically insulating materials, discovered by
German physicist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg. Depending on the material the
voltage passes through, it can be burned in different ways.
This is of great interest to John, who modified a microwave transformer for the
purpose of creating the figures. First, the canvas is painted with a
solution of baking soda and water to render it conducive. By putting more or
less of the solution on different parts of the canvas, you can create higher
and lower areas of conductivity, resulting in different burn patterns. You can
also control the burn by moving the metal conductors (alligator clips in this
case, hooked to pieces of iron) around on the canvas.
Here, you see the process in action. Note the spreading fractal patterns, as well as the tub of baking soda solution. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME unless you are pretty confident no one will miss you. We are working on perfecting safety methods with this.
After burning.
The piece is then washed and the char is scrubbed out of the channels with a wire brush.
The figures begin to take shape. The general idea of the canvas begins to emerge, and shapes begin to suggest themselves. The depth and dimension begin to show.
At this point, I spent quite a bit of time in meditation on this piece, trying to see it for what it needed to be. The shapes provide a suggestion of the ultimate image, and by looking closely, you can see what needs to be rendered.
I am inspired by Asian art, and by traditional Chinese landscape painting. The simplicity and movement feel very powerful to me, and the limited palette is actually quite challenging to work within, and still create depth and nuance. I like to work with traditional Chinese calligraphy ink, and bamboo/horsehair brushes.
Most of this was done with either a 4 or an 0/4. Most of the lining work is with an 0/4, and tinting and shading with the 4. There is a lot of watercolor style ink shading here to create the multiple tones; the grain of the wood influences the color as well. I imagine there are about 20 hours of work in this piece.
I'll be honest, I love it. I created a story in this, with the elements of a traditional Chinese landscape; the footbridge, winding paths, outcroppings, etc.
I love the process of creation in this piece. We enjoy working this way, and the Lictenberg method is a constant challenge and surprise. It adds an unexpected element to art that is often lost to rote or predictability. We enjoy finding out what it will be.
Thank you to Jason Welch @ Jason Welch Photography for capturing the depth and dimension of this piece.
