Philadelphia, PA

Nick Cassway

http://www.nickcassway.com/

In a young child’s life, dramatic play is a meaningful way for them to participate in the world by acting out roles they have observed, expressing their interests and practicing being grown-ups.  This series of spray paint and gold leafed drawings captures these intimate moments in time offering an opportunity to consider the formative steps of our development as social humans.
The spray paint & gold leaf drawings are executed using computer cut stencils that precisely mimic quick, loose and unrefined ink drawings.  The medium, typically used by the signmaking industry, offers the ability to render work that retains a hand drawn appearance yet maintains a crisp machine made edge.  Each image begins with a number of “takes” of original brush and ink drawings which are then spliced together in the computer.  The resulting drawings use judicious linework that portray the subjects with vitality and veracity.  The colors, stemming from a limited yet audacious color palette, paired with the gold leaf serves to elevate and illuminate these moments.