Michael West: Still, on the Line

Exhibition Dates: October 3 - 28, 2023

Reception: thursday, October 5, 5PM - 8pm

The Painting Center is pleased to present Still, on the Line, which features new sculptures by DC artist Michael West. West’s artworks are layered dimensional volumes which combine his ambition to both paint and sculpt. Previously, painting with brushes on a flat surface left West desiring more. After experimenting with building, and assembling in three dimensions, West realized that he could “paint” with his materials, and a new style was discovered. 

West’s inspiration was born from an early fascination with spatial relationships, color and design. As a child, West collected discarded, color-coded wires while going to work with his father, a telephone line man. He also accompanied his mother to the sewing store, where he was intrigued by the spools of thread, bolts of fabric, and patterns that she needed for her job as a seamstress. West’s work is also influenced by interior design and architecture, stemming from his other profession as a decorative artist in residential interiors. 

From afar, there is a mystery in West’s materials. Linear compositions create patterns and rhythms that appear carved or cast from something heavy and rigid. Upon closer inspection, the materials become more apparent. West uses cotton string wrapped and bound onto stretched canvas or boards. There is a tension in his process between precision in measuring and calculating a layout, and the intuitive color choices. Controlling the highs and lows in his pieces creates a necessary order in West’s life. However, using instinct to guide his color decisions, and placement, West relinguishes control and allows the viewer to have their own experience and associations. Mood and weight, whether solemn, happy, heavy or uplifting, is open to the viewer’s interpretation. 

Michael David West (b. 1970, Rockville, CT) received his BFA at the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, DC. He currently lives and works in Bethesda, MD. 

For more information on the artist, visit: www.michaeldavidwest.com