Description
‘Transformed’ by Eric Messinger
Artist: Eric Messinger
Title: ‘Transformed’
Medium: Powder charcoal and charcoal pencils on cold-press watercolour paper
Dimensions: 19″ x 12″
Framing: Unframed
Year of Creation: 2022
About the Artwork:
“I love the value and textures of black and white work. Charcoal is my medium of choice. My process is a little messy, you will find palm marks, smudges and finger prints in my work, I call these “artifacts”. I revel in the unstructered nature of the visit. Powder, pencils, brushes, and kneaded erasers allow me to start with bold abstract shapes and gently push, pull and refine to delicate detail. It is always a surprise to see who appears.” – Eric Messinger
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
Eric Messinger has had a long-term love affair with monsters and “things that go bump in the night.” What started as childhood pencil work turned into a deep dive with Dungeons and Dragons. He was not only the Dungeon Master; he also drew everyone’s characters. This focus led him to Image Comics and digital artwork in the 1990s. After 25 years of digital art, Eric once again began to long for the feel of paper and pencil. This transition led him to charcoal and the work he now creates. Each piece starts as a charcoal powder abstract. From this amorphous beginning, each creature makes itself known. Eric then brings it forth to allow it to tell its story. He has come full circle, and the beings who come to visit enrich his imagination and artwork.
Eric and his family live in the high desert of southeastern Arizona, surrounded by mountains that look like dragon’s teeth and hideouts used by both the native peoples of the area and wild west characters looking to escape the law. His artwork can be seen on Instagram and in gallery shows where he sells his work.
(Artist Statement)
My work is a deep dive into the beings who live in my subconscious. I have always said, “what are other people’s nightmares, are my richest sources of inspiration.” My current work came about through an exploration of abstracts with charcoal powder. As I explored the world of abstract shape and form, I began to see different creatures within the shapes. As I follow and work the charcoal powder, the individual within comes forward. Some have a darker intent, while others come to express their humanity within their form. As each creature is unique, their interaction with the viewer is also singular. These beings that form within the paper and charcoal also resonate with those who most need or want them. I see my work as a bridge between beings on the other side of the veil who wish to come forth manifested into this world and our home.