Thursday, February 12, 2009

highly distressed

The wooden crate next to the wood stove at my Father's hunting camp that holds the firewood always makes me snicker.
Scrawled across the front in chicken scratch penmanship is the phrase...or should I say question: "Would Bocks?"
I can't justly say why I get the biggest kick out of this clever quip.
So, when I set out to aptly name my new distressed paintings on board with a kitschy catch phrase I came up short.
I tried names a plenty..attempting to use the same sly play on words...

Not an easy task.
The sad truth is the best I could come up with was "Bored Paintings".
Not quite the verbal aesthetic I was looking for.
So best to call it what it really is I say.
Paintings on wood.
A tad ho hum and Plain Jane....but a fact nonetheless.
I can't tell you the joy I get finding that perfect piece of wood...
Whether an old door panel, wide piece planking with beaded edging, slatted bee box lids, a chunky fraction of moulding... or just an oddly, misshapen slat of wood with worm holes and rough cut nails.
I love the idea of resuscitating some gem that someone in history had made by hand...
Even down to the simplest piece of wood that was hand-planed.
The icing on the cake for me is the final task of distressing the wood and hand waxing it.
I like to think of these new works as truly one of a kind....each with it's own story.

11 comments:

Nancy Yoakum said...

Well Hello!
I just discovered your blog via Cherry Hill Cottage and love it and the artwork! I'm in love with the pig pictures...Love the idea of painting on wood, anything that is different is wonderful. Love the rooster pictures too!

Phyllis said...

Did you paint all of these? This is exactly the style I prefer to live with; they are all gorgeous!

merrily row said...

I will be at the Costa Mesa showing in March. Will any of these lovely "Would Bocks" be there?

Jennifer Lanne said...

Yes Phyllis! I did paint all these.....
and Yes to Mary!
I will be bringing some Would Bocks with me to CA!
Looking forward to meeting you...
J

Theresa said...

Jennifer I just love the blue birds on the blue and white polka dot bowl...and the birds nest in the polka dot pail (in the second photo). Any chance these are for sale???

Hugs,

Theresa

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer, I was googling vintage zinnia prints when I found your blog. Love IT and your paintings. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. ~ Lynn

Heather said...

wow, these are so beautiful! I just love your paintings :)

Donna said...

Hi Jennifer,
I've been popping in to visit you for some time now. Just want to say hi! I love the distressed paintings on wood. I also like to paint on wood. In fact that's what I've been doing all day today!

Donna

Jeanne Oliver said...

These are beautiful. I love your style. So glad I found your site through Simple Thoughts.

oldflowers4me said...

so love the little blue birds-singing and skipping-jo.

Patrice said...

Hi. I love reading your blog. It's as if you were thinking out loud; very unapologetic - and yet, charmingly Self conscious. (I hope that made sense to you.)

I'm a lover of old wood, odd wood scraps, boards, and all kinds of detritus left over from others' use. I also live on a farm (just horses, now) and your exploits and interests quite interest me.!!