Rafael Bulb: 1893 Edison

Print of Rafael Bulb: 1893 Edison, 2003

Light Series: Bulbs and Tubes, Oil on Canvas, Oil on Panel, Silverpoint on Panel

Luminosity and hidden communication drive my work. The elements--earth, air, fire, water, and space--are my muses. I create from a place of stillness and allow my work to develop organically. The lightbulb series was inspired by my pursuit of the essence of light. I prepare my own panels and add handmade pigments. In weaving and unweaving the tradition of representing light, I am working with electric bulbs and vacuum tubes which allow me to work with the interaction of the glass and the filaments in order to express the primal energy of fire. My exploration of luminosity started with fresco painting and my love of burnishing pigments with agate to create a jewel-like effect.