Asha Ganpat

Pile

Barrow

Graphite on paper, 6x6" 2015

Black Paper

The Black Paper series began as a way to stretch the muscles of my creativity, an endeavor in pursuit of newness. I approached the stack of 6" black squares without many parameters. In each one, I try to draw something unlike the compositions before it. The drawings would be objective, and they would be linear, simplistic, and symbolic. Each is a fleeting thought. Every page a different vision. I draw from memory and in appreciation of the forms I find in the world, both man-made and naturally occurring.

For as long as I can recall, I have been mesmerized by the beautiful metallurgic transformation of graphite pulled against rich black drawing paper. The combination of those elements conjures an impression of finely spun pewter threads against darkness. In this series, I capitalize on the effect with delicate and clean linework and I press hard into the paper so there is a subtle depth and shadow. When the drawings catch the light, the lines glisten in translucence like peculiar dewed spiderwebs. I intend to return to these little black squares often and for always, between projects, as exercise, as practice, as exhalation.

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