From the exhibition notes:
In 1996, JOHN LANZADOR completed a small work of art in which his “model” was a small plastic figurine of a female bowler. Within that composition he collaged the word “ART” in very small type at the bottom of the piece. Little did he know, this work would merely be the first of more than 230 low relief wood carvings John would create over the next 19 years. The plastic bowler figurine would serve as a compositional element in each carving. John downplays the metaphorical significance of the bowler, in favor of the challenge and opportunity to find new ways to incorporate her into a composition with a prescribed scale and material. Taking these limited parameters, John is able to create an astonishing array of images – some personal, some whimsical or humorous, some surprising. The rigid format he set for himself at the onset of this project unifies the series even as he works himself in and out of formal quandaries. John borrows heavily from illustration and traditional flash (tattoo) art though he moves quickly between styles and techniques. Various elements – hearts, hands, feet, skulls, animals – return in multiple compositions as John explores different sets of imagery. This project is ongoing.
A few more snapshots from the evening below and more art on John’s website.
