Artwork copyright Rob Gischer. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artist's Tools: Masking Tape, 1990

Rob Gischer
(American, born 1934)

Location: Blue Heron Middle School, Port Townsend

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist's Tools: Masking Tape is a painting by artist Rob Gischer. It is part of a body of work that play with the energetic interaction of photo-realistic images and abstract backgrounds. This piece features curling shapes that reference the masking tape used by artists to block out areas of unpainted canvas. The artist notes, "I strive for a harmony between chaos and order in my work. I place both these extremes directly adjacent to each other on the painting surface."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Port Townsend School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Rob Gischer creates paintings that explore realistic imagery while playing with optical illusions and abstractions. He notes that: "I am first and foremost a Northwest artist, dealing with Northwest imagery, color, texture and ambiance."

Gischer grew up in Bellingham and Blaine, Northwestern Washington, and he continues to live and make art in that area. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 and a Master of Arts degree in art education in 1974, both from Western Washington University in Bellingham. During the 19050s, he spent two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in France. He taught at Blaine High School (art and television production) from 1967-1996, as well as at Whatcom Community College from 1970-1975.