Bel Canto
Rob Womack
enamel paint on wood
29" x 69" x 44"
Relishing memories of a trip to Italy...
Underlying the fluid brushwork and amusing vignettes of this table top is a highly researched investigation of regional Italian ceramics through the centuries. The center of the table is painted showing an assortment of Italian majolica tiles, both historic examples and my own variations. These are bordered by decorative bands echoing the motifs which encircle Italian pottery.
The legs of this country table were painted a terra cotta color and finished matte to resemble unglazed pottery. In addition, the undercoat for the top was also finished this way, then covered with glazes of oil paint with traces of the terra-cotta showing through in order to duplicate the look of actual ceramic glazes on clay.
I see Bel Canto as a contribution to the philosophy of life that makes a meal a celebration of food, wine and the sensuous pleasure of the table.