David Johnson, A-V 3, Gouache and Collage on Paper, 13 X 17 1/2"

Watercolor and Collage on Paper, 13 X 17 1/2"

For this diptych, Dave is playing with the phenomenon of Averted Vision - a way of looking, mostly deployed in astronomical viewing - that involves looking at an object through one's peripheral vision. 

I hope that, with these paired paintings, when you're looking at one side, your peripheral vision will take in something, some essence or a flare of a sparkle from the other side. Your brain takes it in in a different way. -D.J. 

Of the recurrence in birds in his paintings, Dave has said that he often warms up in his painting sessions by opening up an Audubon book and painting a bird form. Intrigued with their expressive shapes, he also is interested in the way they move and their connectedness with another plane:

The thing about the Audubon book - I became interested in their shapes - of their claws, their beaks, their eyes...But also there are times when I started to think about birds in terms of representing visitations from people. It kind of sounds corny, but it makes me feel like you're not alone. - D.J.