What is "Discrete" Art?

"Discrete" is the name I have given to my black and white explorations of shape and space. The word itself refers to "constituting a separate entity or part"; something that is "separate; distinct; disjunct". Each of my discrete works, while whole and unified for the viewer, is composed entirely of separate entities. If the viewer looks closer at any of them, they will find them to be composed of simple shapes that are separated entirely from the surrounding objects by a thin white line.

These pieces also allow me to explore value in a unique way; the stark contrast afforded by working only in black and white results in interesting possibilities. There must always be a tension between black and white in my pieces; this results in pure black areas to offset extreme whites. At a distance, intermediary values that are not present at close range can be seen.

These pieces behave differently for the viewer when seen from far away as from close up. At a close distance, the intricacy of the patterns is meant to provide interest and intrigue; however, from far away the patterns and discrete shapes form a continuous and unified whole that is meant to leave an overall impression on the audience.

Because of the duality of each piece, I have chosen to enlarge and work further with each of the original pieces. As I draw each original, I form and refine a vision for a larger culmination of each piece; the enlargements become more than simply bigger versions of the original.

My Discrete Works