Silence 11 24x24" oil/cold wax on panel © 2012 Janice Mason Steeves In painting this series, I work (mostly) without using any tools or brushes. I choose the colours I intend to work with, mix up many gradations and have them ready on the palette. I wear latex gloves on my hands. I've been going through many many pairs for each painting because I either have to wipe them carefully each time I change colours, or put on a new pair. Then I put my fingers into the paint, rubbing my hands together to spread the paint evenly on my palms and fingers. Sometimes I even mix the paint right on my hands…dipping say into one colour and then into another colour and then blending them as I rub my hands together. I love the intensity of the physical contact with the paint and with the surface. There is a quiet patting sound as I apply the paint. The sound of silence perhaps. I began my art career as a potter so getting my hands into my work comes naturally and it feels