Spinning the Block on Chalk

I used a chalk line again for the first time in a while. Years ago, I used chalk lines often when laying out murals, and it felt good to return to that process on a smaller scale. It is a simple tool, but there is something satisfying about measuring, pulling the string tight, snapping the line, and suddenly having a structure to respond to.

This new piece starts with a 1-inch-thick wood panel made from plywood and MDF. I am using the chalk line to set the grid before painting a sequence of color bands that will move across the surface and create a pulsing effect. The grid gives the work order, but not rigidity. Once the lines are in place, I can begin making decisions about color, rhythm, spacing, and movement.

I am thinking about this piece as both a painting and an object. Because the panel has a thick edge, the side cannot be treated like an afterthought. I am considering ways to finish it cleanly, possibly with hardwood edge banding or another treatment that helps the whole piece feel more resolved.