M.A.Bailey
My pieces take their cue from the traditional Japanese method of wood burning — yakisugi — a blackening of the wood that reveals clean, distinct lines and an inherent textural beauty. Initially, I was attracted to the effect created by the interaction of wood and fire and the resultant charred form, but it soon became apparent to me that glass was a natural companion to the charred wood since it, too, was a product of an element (sand) transformed by fire to become something more. Having worked with colored stained glass before, I wanted to use it in a different way, and my incorporation of the glass structures embedded into the wood became a take on sculptural relief that resulted from my desire to bring another nontraditional approach to something traditional. In addition, the colors in the glass, along with the brightly colored modern paint techniques used on the wood, are intended to bring a contrast and pop to the dusky qualities of the charred background.
My current series is a musing on MUH — the “mathematical universe hypothesis” — a speculative theory in physics that states that everything in the physical universe exists as mathematical structure. This is reflected in each of the pieces, conveying the idea through related symbols, shapes, and structures - some playfully apparent, while others, more intuitive.
Reaffirming the theory as inherent, mathematics is also a very recognizable core element in the linear forms of my partner Sean Lim’s work.
For more information about the artist, please visit his website.