Sawtooth

24 in x 24 in

1/2026

My intention for this piece was to explore shape and texture and pattern using only blacks, whites, grays and silvers. Limiting the palette to neutral tones devoid of primary colors helps the viewer focus on the geometry of the piece.  The grayscale palette sharpens attention to structure, so that value shifts become the primary drama instead of color. The composition is anchored by a circular star-like form whose eight triangular segments suggest motion or rotation. The highlight of the painting is a set of four serrated fan-like shapes that were made with an adjustable triangle, progressively altering the angle 5 degrees outward from the midpoint of the edges of the canvas.  They remind me of wings, or steps or teeth on a saw and read as kinetic, as if the surface were unfurling and recoiling.  Though there is symmetry in the work, it is not mirrored from one side to the other.  The darker wedges seem to recede while brighter patterns appear closer, giving a sculptural quality to the piece.  I also incorporated a lot of texture into the piece; the smooth gradients against more granular or stippled regions suggests different “materials” that give an industrial feel to the work.  My goal was for this painting to evoke associations with engineered systems, but also to be contemplative.