Jason Middlebrook paints geometric shapes on found wood to illustrate the mark man leaves on nature

Swapping Brooklyn for Upstate New York has inspired artist <a title="Artist Jason Middlebrook paints spatial patterns against the grain" href="http://jasonmiddlebrook.com/" target="_blank">Jason Middlebrook</a> to look for inspiration deep inside the woods. Using found <a title="Artist Jason Middlebrook paints spatial patterns against the grain" href="http://inhabitat.com/vinella-krupa-give-new-life-to-dated-furniture-with-paintings-and-pyrography/" target="_blank">hardwood</a> pieces as a canvas, he creates colorful paintings that reference the foremost abstractionists of the 20th century. Going with and against the grain, the artist aims to explore and celebrate the complex relationship between man and nature.

Although Middlebrook has been working on the man-nature subject for the past decade, his recent Wall Works and vertical Planks really stand out.

They are made from found chunks of Maple and other hardwoods painted with decorative abstract geometrical motives.

This creates a unique tension between the organic forms of the wood and the rigidly calculated lines painted by his hands.

The wooden pieces first caught his eye for their fascinating record of history of the rings.

But then realized that by following the organic patterns of the grain he could establish an intimate conversation with that piece of nature.

Middlebrook's unique artworks combine rough nature with geometric intention portraying the mark humans leave on Mother Nature.