tracingBoardPuzzling [08.2022]
Originally created for submission to the call: “An open art competition: ‘Embodying Masonic Values’” -Sponsored by the Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania”]
Mixed media construction: (wall or table mount)
Materials: Wood, paper, acrylics, inkjet,UV-protected matte medium.
Dimensions: 24.25”L x 20.125”W x 1.375”H
“tracingBoardPuzzling” seeks to signify much of Freemasonry’s deep symbol systems, often shrouded in secrecy and mystique. The intention is to sometimes deploy its symbols to elucidate key knowledge to acolytes; whereas, at other times, coyly obfuscate their cryptic significance, context and meaning to the uninitiated observer.
With this particular artwork, I hope the viewer feels drawn into the visual and cognitive challenge of correctively repositioning the sliding pieces into varied arrangements -and possibly the classical, idealized tracing board coherency expected of a Grand Master.
[N.B. A central tenet of the piece is that the individual tiles, when delicately handled, are indeed also physically reconfigurable by the Owner’s to their (dis-)ordered satisfaction.]