George Mason: Weaver of Texture and Gravity

George Mason, an American artist born in the United States, stands as a singular figure in contemporary craft, renowned for his monumental “relief tapestries” – vast, layered works that defy traditional notions of sculpture and painting. His career, spanning decades and encompassing diverse materials, reveals a persistent fascination with texture, color, and the inherent poetry of gravity. Mason’s work isn't merely decorative; it’s an exploration of process, material interaction, and the relationship between art and environment – a testament to the enduring power of handmade artistry in a rapidly changing world.

Mason’s artistic journey began with a solid foundation in ceramic architectural tile. This early training instilled within him a deep appreciation for materials, their properties, and the potential for transformation. However, it was his experiences teaching abroad – in Jerusalem, Indonesia, and India – that fundamentally shifted his approach. These journeys exposed him to diverse textile traditions, ancient ruins, and a profound sense of place, sparking an interest in creating works that resonated with history and embodied a connection to the earth. He began experimenting with encaustics—a technique involving fusing heated wax onto prepared surfaces—and layered paper cutouts, initially as a means of capturing the exotic and mundane encountered during his travels.

A pivotal moment in Mason’s development occurred when he questioned the limitations of the kiln shelf. Seeking to liberate his work from the constraints of traditional firing methods, he began exploring alternative techniques. This led him to combine encaustics with plaster and burlap, creating a system that allowed for intricate layering and textural complexity. The resulting “relief tapestries” are characterized by their monumental scale—often spanning entire walls—and their rich, saturated colors. Mason’s process is deeply intuitive; he describes it as "listening" to the materials, allowing them to guide his hand and reveal unexpected possibilities. He meticulously builds up layers of plaster, encaustics, and paper cutouts, often incorporating crackle techniques to mimic the appearance of aged textiles or weathered stone.

The Language of Texture and Gravity

At the heart of Mason’s work lies a profound understanding of texture and its relationship to gravity. His tapestries aren't static objects; they are dynamic compositions that seem to defy their own weight, hanging with an almost unsettling authority. The deliberate use of crackle techniques—creating surface fissures through controlled heating—adds another layer of complexity, suggesting the passage of time and the inherent vulnerability of materials. Mason’s work is deeply rooted in a tradition of textile art, yet it transcends simple imitation. He employs elements of fresco painting, Japanese woodblock printing, and ancient Roman mosaics to create a visual vocabulary that is both familiar and utterly unique.

Influences on Mason's work are diverse and far-reaching. He cites the frescoes of Giotto as a key inspiration, particularly his masterful rendering of light and shadow. The artist’s fascination with ruins and ancient civilizations—evident in the textured surfaces and layered compositions of his tapestries—reflects a broader interest in history and memory. Furthermore, Mason's time spent studying textiles in various cultures has profoundly shaped his artistic practice, informing his use of color, pattern, and surface decoration.

Notable Works and Recognition

Among Mason’s most celebrated works are “Sequil with Silver Chains” (1987), a monumental tapestry that explores the interplay of texture and light; and “Topus with Punched Ornament” (1900), a striking example of his early experimentation with encaustics and paper cutouts. His Percent for Art commissions—over thirty projects undertaken between 1986 and 2003—have brought his work to public spaces throughout Maine and New York City, transforming buildings into immersive environments. These installations often incorporate elements of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between art and architecture.

Mason’s artistic achievements have been widely recognized with three National Endowment for the Arts awards. He is also a founding member of Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, a renowned artist residency program dedicated to fostering innovation in ceramic practice. His influence extends beyond his own work; he has mentored countless artists and continues to inspire new generations of craftspeople.

A Continuing Dialogue with Materials

George Mason’s artistic practice is characterized by an ongoing dialogue with materials—a relentless curiosity about their properties, possibilities, and limitations. As he himself describes it, “I make in order to come to know what I am making.” His work reflects a deep respect for the handmade process, embracing imperfections and celebrating the unique qualities of each piece. In recent years, Mason has continued to refine his techniques, experimenting with new materials and approaches while remaining true to his core aesthetic principles. He currently resides on the coast of Maine, where he continues to create works that resonate with a profound sense of place and a timeless exploration of texture, color, and gravity.

Further Exploration

• Website: https://georgemasonart.com/
• John Michael Kohler Arts Center: https://www.jmkac.org/artist/mason-george/
• R&F Handmade Paints Collection: https://www.rfpaints.com/unique-color/2021/11/30/from-the-collection-george-mason