Conversing With Chairs
The secret language of chairs
Inspiration / Fascination…
Carey Mortimer paints understated, minimalist narratives that somehow defy my need for more.
I was going to feature a variety of Mortimer’s artwork, but after reviewing her portfolio, I opted to focus on a frequent topic — chairs.
Some explanation is offered by the artist or implied in the caption, but once art is on public display we are invited to find our own meaning!
What is this chair saying and why the drips? My interpretation, “You think I am real but it’s only paint!”
What do you think?
“I am bold, I know who I am, but want to get to know you.” What does the painting say to you?
Of this painting and the one above Mortimer writes,
'“Waiting for Neptune II” was part of a series of chair paintings, each depicted standing in water under rain. These works reflect a sense of watching and waiting - quietly observing what nature chooses to do next. There is a recognition of the absurdity of human arrogance: the idea that we can control or outpace nature.
The painting was worked on a green canvas 50cm x 50cm, cut from the cover of an old yurt I once lived in. I had originally waxed the fabric to extend its life, and years later, painting on it with emulsified wax felt like a natural continuation of its story.
Carey’s work arises from a deep engagement with ancient painting traditions and the living landscape of Sardinia—a rugged, pagan island that both sustains and challenges her.1
She paints in egg tempera, fresco,2 and other fascinating media such as Punic wax3, silverpoint, size tempera (animal glue) and others.
Here are more chairs, actually, all of the chairs I could find painted by Mortimer:
These seem to be having a conversation. What are they saying?
“Will you support me? I am fragile, handle me with care but at your own risk.”
“I am plain, but do not underestimate me!”
“The monarchy was once great, but is now a relic.” Do you agree with my interpretation?
“Imperfect and old - full of confidence and knowledge. I have lived with more to come.”
“Sometimes the environment overwhelms me, but I’m not going anywhere.”
“Am I aging gracefully? Do I still have what it takes?”
“I am perfect, I am enough, I am beautiful”
“Come play with me, but don’t forget nap time”
“Plain is an empty canvas, what can we create, or let’s be bored together.”
Rooted in her long study of Ancient Roman and Renaissance techniques, Mortimer’s practice draws directly from the earth. She often collects and grinds her own pigments:
On my treks through the charred landscapes I collected 20 pigments; 8 burnt blacks varying in hue depending on what plants had been burnt and 12 earth pigments. Only 6 ground so far! When all are prepared I will use them for a series of paintings based on the Montiferru landscapes and ‘fire followers’.
At the last minute, I decided to show you a medley of some of Mortimer’s artwork other than chairs (she has a whole series on dresses!):
View more of Carey Mortimer’s art:
From My Easel…
Still no action on actual painting — I am buried in book tasks, but thought I’d share one of my earliest egg temperas: apropos of book publishing, Friend Reading a Book:
What I say in my book about Friend Reading a Book:
My intention was to portray a woman who, while reading or studying, is distracted, thinking about her lover. However, a friend interpreted the image as the breaking of water in pregnancy heralding the start of labor.
Book Update…
Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera launched on October 15. I’m busy shipping out books all over the US and, hopefully, worldwide once I figure out reasonable overseas shipping.
If you would like to purchase the coffee table or paperback edition go to art and lovebook.com/shop. They are also available on Amazon.
I’m happy to gift a free copy of the e-book or audio book (with a companion PDF of all the images) to anyone who wants one.
I had two parties to celebrate! Here are some highlights of the in-person party:
The first is just people mingling while opera singer Mara Adler and pianist Angello Illio perform in the background:
The second is a recording of the Q&A after the book reading, followed by Mara singing “Mona Lisa” accompanied by Marc Clearwater on piano.
Book reviews: Of course, book reviews help people decide whether to buy a book, but I’ve recently learned that the more reviews a book has, the more Amazon shows it to potential readers. If you’ve read the book, I’d be grateful if you could post an honest review here. Even a few sentences is enough.
You don't have to buy the book to leave a review on Amazon- (better to buy it on my website). But it's helpful, but not necessary, to buy the e-book on Amazon for $2.99 so that the review is “verified.”
Aside from the above reasons, it really gives me a boost to read reviews. Here's one I just came across on Goodreads, which is another place to leave a review. I have no idea who wrote this!
Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera by Lora Arbrador is an exquisite memoir that intertwines art, love, and self discovery across some of the most defining cultural decades of modern history. Through Arbrador’s journey, readers are invited into a vivid exploration of the creative spirit from the artistic awakening of 1960s Berkeley to the resilience and reinvention of later years.
Her reflections on egg tempera painting are both technical and deeply emotional, offering rare insight into the discipline behind an ancient craft and the vulnerability behind an artist’s evolution. Enriched by her own artwork, this memoir glows with authenticity, courage, and the enduring beauty of creative pursuit.
A heartfelt and inspiring read for artists, dreamers, and anyone who believes art can illuminate a life’s purpose.
My Son’s Got Talent!!…
Amos’ latest mural “Peak to Peak” depicts Mt Whitney on one panel and Half Dome and El Capitan of Yosemite on the other panel. It’s in a private home, but there may be public events there in the future. It’s fun to see his process all speeded up!
As always, I leave you with a song from the Great American Songbook…
I chose “It’s Only a Paper Moon” in honor of the paper the book was printed on and the cardboard I am buried in as I package books for mailing. It also speaks about belief in oneself and others, another theme of the book.
“It’s Only a Paper Moon” (1933) — music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. “Yip” Harburg and Billy Rose4 Sung by Perry Como!
Carry on Bravely, there is hope!!
Lora
Quote is from an email exchange with Carey Mortimer
“Buon fresco is a technique in which the artist brushes pigments, previously ground in water, directly onto wet “fresh” lime plaster. A chemical reaction takes place that permanently fixes the image without the need for a binder such as egg or gum. But the artist has only a window of about eight hours in which to paint before the plaster is too dry to bind the pigments.” — from my book Art & Love: My Life Illuminated in Egg Tempera.
Punic wax is an ancient medium first used in Carthage and later by Roman encaustic painters. Punic wax is refined beeswax, purified in a mild alkaline bath until it becomes pale, silky, and easily mixed with pigments. Unlike hot encaustic, which must be melted and fused with heat, Punic wax can be used cold, blended directly with pigments to create a luminous, enduring surface that resists aging and moisture. [This explanation does not come from Mortimer rather it is from Chat GPT]
Lyrics to “It’s Only a Paper Moon” Music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by E.Y. “Yip” Harburg and Billy Rose
Say it’s only a paper moon
Hanging over a cardboard sea
But it wouldn’t be make believe
If you believe in me.
Yes, it’s only a canvas sky
Hanging over a muslin tree
But it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me
Without your love it’s a honky-tonk parade
Without your love it’s a melody played in a penny arcade
It’s a Barnum & Bailey world
Just as phony as it can be
But it wouldn’t be make-believe if you believed in me
The Great American Songbook is not an actual songbook — it’s the canon of American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 1920s to the 1950s. I love this poignant and clever vocal genre.
I think this chair says, "I'm a little bit fancy but think I am fancier than I am."
I think this chair is saying, "I work really hard to make you feel comfortable and I work up a sweat."