Style1½ inches thick (3.75 cm) Product Details Artist grade canvas, archival inks, wooden stretcher bars, and UVB protective coating
AvailablityUsually ships within five business days. ArtistJohn Armato Pro Member CollectionPeople
Description 'Masked' continues Armato's exploration of digital marquetry by reproducing a design created by the artist's sister, Mary Sieker. While pursuing a degree in art she explored many media, including metal smithing and jewelry making and once made her brother a small lapel pin with black onyx inset into a metal 'face.' The design is reminiscent of, yet more ambiguous than, well-known foreground/background optical illusions in which one sees, perhaps, two faces, or the vase suggested between them. Here, however, the design suggests either a profile or a full-forward face with the ebony wood serving alternately as a distinct background behind the profile or a shadow falling upon the face. The title 'Masked' arose from the intersection of several characteristics of the piece: The wood and basic shape are evocative of African masks, which were popular as design elements and home accents in the mid-century modern era. And the intentionally shape-shifting design created by Sieker hints at two faces, but ultimately reveals neither, effectively masking a definitive viewing of the art.
John Armato, Sacramento Member Since December 2010 Artist Statement John Armato is a creative strategist and senior partner in one of the world's largest public relations firm. He's also a jazz drummer, writer, and graphic designer.
He focuses on "Midcentury-Minded Digital Marquetry," using high resolution scans of wood grains to create images that are reminiscent of the popular DIY veneer wall art common in the Midcentury Modern era.
In addition to midcentury modern architecture, art and design, Armato is heavily influenced by his parents' artistic pursuits. His father is a accomplished watercolorist whose paintings hang in private collections around the country and sell in galleries in Kansas City, Missouri. His mother is a talented interior designer.