Chadwick Tolley
Don't Tread on Me, Screen Print Collage, 3' x 3', 2020
“My work is like a mirror, reflecting a culture filled with moving images, ads, media and advertising.”
Chadwick Tolley is an artist living and working in Augusta, Georgia (USA). His approach to color is based on principles of visual hierarchy; starting with light analogous background layers, then moving to split complimentary hues, tones and shades for key images. His approach to printmaking is to treat each print as a visual documentation of process. Each print starts with a general idea, building and adding textures and images that respond to the previous layer. Evidence of deletions and additions document the process from start to finish.
Chadwick’s work is created using screen printing techniques, combined with digital tools, collage and painting. Currently he is working on various projects that include solo and group exhibitions, zines and portfolio exchanges.
Monkey Men, Screen Print, 14" x 19", 2019
How does color represent or support the mind space of your work?
My work is chaotic and ordered, that is my mind. At times it feels like my mind is buzzing, bouncing around from one idea to the next. Fortunately, this is advantageous to creativity.
Idea generation is a critical first step in creativity and generally, I let my mind loose in the early phases of a project. It is not until later, that I begin to take steps to create some clarity of concept, with a thoughtful arrangement of images and elements.
Ultimately, my work is a visual documentation of this process that includes evidence of edits, revisions then a refining of composition and concept. Color is used symbolically, first chaotic and reckless, then with greater intent and deliberation.
“Color is used symbolically, first chaotic and reckless, then with greater intent and deliberation.”
Happy Valley, Screen Print Collage, 3' x 3', 2019
Lover Boy, Screen Print , 19" x 14", 2021
What can printmaking ink achieve regarding color in your work that no other material can?
Right now, I’m experimenting with transparent colors. I like the visual depth that I can create with less layers, and the “free” colors that appear when two transparent colors overlap.
Transparent images on top of each other can simultaneously exist, creating both a conceptual relationship between them and visually “vibrating” back and forth.
What would your work be without color?
Principles and Elements of design can be used to create great works of art that are transcendent. Most works of art are not transcendent but like a familiar song, they can transport us to another place and time.
Color is one of the elements that can be universally, culturally or personally symbolic and one of the tools that can transport the viewer. My work is like a mirror, reflecting a culture filled with moving images, ads, media and advertising. It would be difficult to visually describe this without color.
Robot boy, Screen Print, 19" x 14", 2019