Gunpowder Drawing

These images are created by igniting gunpowder on paper. Cai Guo-Qiang is the originator of this unique process of artistic expression. I use masks and stencils to help layout the composition and layers of cardboard to compress the gunpowder. There is always an element of chance depending on the the type and amount of gunpowder and how much it is compressed. The space between chaos and control gives these gunpowder drawings their energy and the unique mark making created by the burn and flare that happens in the moment of ignition.