In late 2008, Tim Wirth began organizing his studio practice around building square paintings that function as three-dimensional objects.  Wirth’s unique craftsmanship and approach has attracted collectors from across the United States, UK, and elsewhere.

Why squares?

I wanted to find a way to explore any visual terrain I wanted without getting lost. The square is fundamental. It’s got an inherent truth and logic about it as a shape. Four equal sides.  I also enjoy the cultural baggage with the word “square”. When it appears as slang, it can either be a compliment or an insult. Originally, it referred to someone who was honest, traditional, and reliable. Later on, it was redefined to describe someone who was rigid and old-fashioned.

Describe your subject matter

Sometimes I like making images, sometimes I like the paint enough all by itself. Whatever happens usually happens through improvisation. Occasionally it’s premeditated, maybe I have a vague idea of something I want to say or try. The results can be either graceful or clumsy or some combination of both. However, every individual painting belongs to that larger context – that family of squares. So each painting, regardless of whether it’s a hit, a miss, or a head-scratcher, contributes to the whole and is interesting in its own flawed and/or magical way. I like that, both in painting and elsewhere.

Instagram: @timtimothywirth