Concrete Block: an autobiography

I taught myself to paint while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Western Samoa. Since my first painting was a portrait of a student (I was a science teacher,)  I was imprinted on portraiture. Throughout my art career, it's always been my first love. For a decade, I traveled the world and did character studies of indigenous people: 

Morning in Samoa   by Nolan Haan     24 x 36 inches   oil on canvas

When I returned to the United States, I became a wildlife artist and specialized in portraits of birds:

Nolan Haan     Peacock   oil on panel     40 x 60 inches

When I finally dedicated myself to contemporary art and began doing paintings of concrete block walls, it was inevitable that I would eventually paint portraits of cement blocks.

What?

When asked at cocktail parties what I do, my answer is "I paint portraits of concrete blocks." As you can imagine, this is usually met with a glassy stare and a hasty retreat. I draw strength knowing that Andy Warhol once had to say, "I do paintings of Campbell's  soup cans." And we all know how that turned out. On occasion, however, someone will ask the logical next question, "Why?"

It took me a long time to answer that question, to realize that these concrete blocks were actually portraits of myself. I never painted a traditional self-portrait, always reluctant to reveal so much about myself. Subconsciously, I was using concrete as a diary. One by one,  the cement blocks were documenting my emotions, my states of mind--my life. My concrete alter ego is less self-conscious, so honesty comes more easily. A life story told in the language of cement...

Close to Silence     acrylic on silk, mounted on hardboard    70 x 40 inches

This series showcases the sculptural integrity of individual blocks, often rendered larger-than-life. The process begins with two questions: "What do I wish to convey about myself?" followed by, "How can concrete block convey this emotion?"

Since they look so 3-D, most viewers go first to the technical aspect of the work. My hope is that the content will also be explored. I want viewers to see something of themselves reflected back.

Nolan Haan in his studio, holding Close to Silence

When asked for a picture of myself in my studio for a forthcoming book, TENWORDSANDONESHOT, this was my submission. (The painting is ready to be mounted on a piece of hardboard cut to the exact shape of the block.) It was a relief to have the concrete block speak on my behalf.

Thank you for taking the time to read by blog. Please bookmark this page so you can find me again. If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to post here or email me at nolanhaan@att.net. Also, my website is awaiting your visit at www.AddictedToWalls.com. Take care, and have a productive week.