As an architect with a background in fine arts, Mike Parnon has discovered a canvas in the same material he relies on to complete many of his design projects.
For almost a year, Parnon, president at Brookfield-based BrandPoint Design, has experimented with works of art on pieces of drywall using latex paint, sheetrock mud and a spackling knife as his paintbrush.
This innovative approach to art, invented by Parnon to the best of his knowledge, produces abstract creations that constantly evolve in color and depth as Parnon explores new techniques and variations.
“They start as one thing, and they kind of grow into something else,” Parnon said.
In his garage, which serves as his studio, Parnon has crafted at least 60 individual works, some reflecting a stained glass effect, others detailing fan-like slashes, and still others defined by bold swatches.
“It’s really an exciting medium because it’s got so much opportunity,” Parnon said.
Parnon compares his process to finger painting with a spackling knife. He typically mixes paint and the sheetrock mud and then applies it to the drywall or applies the sheetrock mud to the drywall, adds paint on top and mixes the elements with a spackling knife. In some of his projects, he will also layer pieces of drywall on top of one another to create a more three-dimensional effect.
While Parnon hasn’t made much of his art public, he appeared in his first art show earlier this month. He has also produced branded art for some of his clients with works incorporating their corporate logos.
“Creating branded art for my clients through this medium is the ultimate goal,” he said.
Parnon’s artistic process, and his discovery of this new style, excites him as much as the artworks that have resulted.
“It transcends the art, itself,” he said. “It’s the process that’s so important.”
