What is a Golem and why is it art?
The word “golem,” which originates in the Bible, means an “unformed substance.” Yet, the more popular usage of the word golem is in stories about a pre-Frankensteinian creature, mystically brought to life by combining the four elements: fire, water, air and earth. With this in mind, we decided to name our company Golem Art because pastels are also created through a combination of basic elements: powdered pigment, water and a binding agent, and, like the golem, each piece of art is unformed until an artist brings it into existence. In this way, the pastel paintings of artist Shandel Gamer have given birth to our company--Golem Art.
A Brief History of Pastels
Pastel is most often rolled into round or square sticks. It can either be blended by finger or left with visible strokes and lines. Generally, pastel is used on toned paper, but sanded boards and canvas have also become popular. If the entire work is covered completely with Pastel, it is considered a Pastel Painting; a Pastel Sketch leaves much of the background exposed. When properly protected, Pastel paintings never crack, darken or yellow.
|
