Nancy Crow

GALLERY

ARTIST STATEMENT

In 2011, I began a disciplined approach to learn how to mono-print on cotton fabric effectively and fluidly. This was a new technique for me in that I had only tried mono-printing twice, years ago, and did not pursue working with it at those times. In mid-July 2011, I set up a “program of practice” that included an 8-10 hour day, 24/7, that I followed throughout until the second week of September 2011. During these 7 intense weeks I allowed myself computer time for no longer than 30-45 minutes and only in the morning soon after I had taken my shower. I cut out everything that would disturb my concentration and stayed in my barn studio where there is no computer and no telephone. I found it fabulous to be undisturbed! I also decided that I could not walk away; that I had to stay put; and that I had to cope with everything that made me stress such as:

- not understanding what I was doing

- not understanding the dyes

- not making marks that pleased me

- feeling as though I was incapable of making meaningful marks

- not letting my critical eye keep me from going on with the next mono-print and then the next one and so on

- making mistake after mistake after mistake

- learning to “waste fabric” akin to “wasting paper”

Initially, my goal was to produce at least 100 mono-prints, one after the other….but I actually created over 125! These five mono-prints represent 5 different directions I explored and am still exploring in terms of mark sizes and drawing rhythms.