1961 marks a pivotal moment in Totten’s career, departing from the subdued desert-inspired color palette that had characterized his previous work to embrace a more flamboyant and adventurous aesthetic, embarking on a creative exploration that resonated with the buoyant spirit of the era. This marked shift coincided with Totten’s deepening engagement with Synchromism, a movement spearheaded by Stanton MacDonald-Wright, under whose tutelage Totten had studied. Drawing inspiration from MacDonald-Wright, Totten absorbed the foundational principles of Synchromism, yet he always approached them as a catalyst for his own distinctive artistic vision.
Totten’s artistic process appears deceptively effortless, mirroring the demeanor of the man behind the brush. Modest, soft-spoken, and gentle, Totten embodied humility in his approach to his craft. Yet, beneath this unassuming exterior lay a profound commitment to his artistry. Immersed in the act of painting, Totten dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his practice, infusing each canvas with a palpable sense of daring and conviction.
To liken Totten’s oeuvre to that of luminaries such as Clifford Still or Edward Dugmore may seem audacious at first glance, however, upon closer examination, one discerns a shared mastery of abstract expressionism and a profound depth of artistic expression. Totten stands shoulder to shoulder with these titans, his capacity to produce profound abstract works attesting to his enduring legacy as a visionary artist.
In this painting, warm grays, greens, aquas, and taupe breathe life into an otherwise tonal composition. The restrained palette creates a soothing atmosphere allowing the viewer to focus on the sophisticated and complex interplay of forms that float gracefully across the surface. Central to this composition is the trunk form, which serves as an anchor, grounding the various elements while allowing them to drift across the canvas.
A recurring motif in Totten's oeuvre is the delicate drawn line that mimics these forms. This thin line not only adds a layer of intricacy to the composition but also mitigates any risk of visual heaviness. By sketching lightly around the forms, the line creates a sense of movement and fluidity, reinforcing the idea of transformation and change.