Brave Eagle
1979
In 2004, the artist commented on his work: "My paintings are a private world of improvisation, spontaneity, humor, and pathos, exaggeration and abandon. The images and shapes are often figurative, organic personal totems which in closer view become highly abstract. They reflect my travels and interest in tribal art and children's art. Old-fashioned emotional involvement is still my main priority in painting."
For Brave Eagle, Mason dispenses with his brush and explores the direct application of paint onto canvas through the use of a squeeze-bottle. Built up incrementally, the work is a field of pattern and geometric forms. Upon closer examination though, one sees how the artist strays from strict repetition-each mark laid down on the surface remains unique.
Acrylic on canvas
Gift of Safeco Insurance, a member of the Liberty Mutual Group, and Washington Art Consortium
2010.31.11
Provenance: Artist to Diane Gilson Gallery, 1980, to Safeco Corporate Art Collection, Washington Art Consortium, December 2009; Seattle Art Museum, November, 2010
