Painting on glass
Abstract Painter
Melissa Mahoney
Photographer
Robert Houser
“As a painter, this point of view from underneath the surface is so unique . The view that I’m familiar with is from above.”
Filmed from below
Bay Area photographer and friend Robert Houser captured these amazing images and videos.
Inspiration
I remember once seeing a video of Jackson Pollack painting on glass filmed from below. It left a lasting impression on me.
One day when I was visiting the photography studio of my friend Robert Houser, I saw a 4’x6’x4’ box that he had built with a glass top. He had photographed San Francisco dancers performing on the glass top while he filmed from below. Those images were stunning.
This led me to want to paint on the glass while Robert filmed and recorded my creation.
Translucency
I wanted to explore the idea of painting on materials that were semi-transparent. Robert and I were able to set up a semi-transparent, glass surface that showed the paint on the surface and and myself where I am somewhat obscured.
The shadows become the star in this series, along with the brushstrokes. It takes a while to see what is happening and even to understand how this series is captured. I like how it allows the viewer to discover the process as they look further.
“It’s definitely a collaboration and conversation between artist and photographer. Both Melissa and I talked through the filming process, and it was great to help capture and influence where the brushstrokes might go next.”