Theodora Varnay Jones: Frottage. Issue 1 (1st April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gavish, Michal
• Is Part Of: Drawing. Volume 2:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2017-04-01
• Subjects: Drawing -- Periodicals; 741.05
• DOI: 10.1386/drtp.2.1.175_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2057-0392

Abstract

Theodora Varnay Jones experiments with frottage drawing in a series of graphite rubbings that she performs on surfaces of found objects. Using translucent paper, she layers her traced drawings and constructs them into abstract compositions. The gradual mechanical fashion, in which her images appear on the page during the progression of her drawing, is reminiscent of slow exposure photography. Through a monotonous pencil motion of crayon rubbing, she shifts her drawing from a perceptual practice into an automatic one. This strategy is part of her long-term intent of objectifying her mark making. As she undermines the conscious aspect of her work, she surrenders her function as a planner. Yet, this submission is not completely passive. While pursuing her work, she observes her new role as the labourer and examines her production. Using this detached method, she develops a new vocabulary with its formality dictated by her impressed surfaces. In the final stage of the work, the artist layers her copies and assembles them into new configurations, in which her images abandon their original literal meaning. She employs this contemplative part of her practice to build tension between the legible graphite tracings and the ultimate abstract form, which transcend them into hovering weightless shapes.