California based artist, Mike Weber, shares his intention and creative process in the creation of his “Black” series which combines photography, gold leaf, and more for these modern, high-contrast works of art.
Black Series was created to allow the viewer an extremely up-close and rare experience of standing in front of tame and wild animals. My layering process of gold and silver leaf, large format photographic transfers, acrylic paint and high-gloss resin create a very dimensional and realistic feeling, leaving the viewer wondering how the effect was achieved. The natural reflection of the gold and silver leaf combined with my animal photography transfers makes the animal feel backlit by some type of lighting trick. However, the details and dimension of the animal are pronounced with natural light- a discovery I made when combining unconventional materials. I enjoy creating these works in a large format so the viewers experience the magnitude of scale for many of the wild animals that are often too dangerous to confront in nature.
Mike Weber