Elements of Gun Powder

A graphic representation of the ratio of the three elements that compose gunpowder (known today as black powder). Various armies used slightly different ratios of these essential elements to create explosive powder. This is the ratio of the British army: 75 % saltpeter or potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal, 10% sulfur.

In the painting, the different elements are displayed as horizontal bands. The thickness of the bands represents the ratio of that element as present in the British formulation. This is overlaid on marsh grass that has been sourced in Brooklyn. Marsh grass was plentiful in the Gowanus area during the time of the Battle of Long Island.This painting was part of the Tides of Time exhibit at Gowanus Dredgers boat house (August 2019).

Elements of Gun Powder 75%, 15%, 10%

Rock Salt, Charcoal, Paper Mache, Sulfur, Acrylic Paint, Marsh Grass. 2019