Creative Prompt: Mark Bradford

While visiting The Broad in LA, I repeatedly found myself drawn to pieces by the same artists. The work was large, with colors and textures built seemingly one layer at a time. The work didn’t contain fabric or any textile processes, and yet, I could not stop thinking about how much they reminded me of textiles, which is likely why I was drawn to them. 

Mark Bradford, Deep Blue, 2018. Photo: Ben Gibbs.

Mark Bradford makes monumental works of art out of everyday options, mainly various forms of purchased and found paper. You’re unlikely to spot him at an art supply store; however, you may find him collecting materials for his next project as he walks the aisles of hardware stores. 

Some of my favorite places to find art materials are hardware stores and the restaurant supply store. 

Pictured: Mark Bradford, Click, 2001. Mixed media on canvas. 72 × 84 1/8 inches. Private Collection. © Mark Bradford. Photograph by Stefan Altenburger Photography Zürich

Mark Bradford shares that he started by creating with endpaper. He encounters endpapers while working in his mom’s hair salon. 

To see how Bradford’s work evolved from endpapers to MORE paper, sandpaper, and lots of water, watch this episode of 60 minutes, starting at the 14-minute mark. 

Creative prompt:

How many layers can you add to your artwork?

What non-traditional materials can you use, and how might they better express your idea?

Learn more: 

Mark Bradford and Luther Davis on Printmaking

In this video, Mark partners with Luther Davis, a printmaker. Together, they translate Bradford’s ideas and traditional layering.