Toni LaSelle, I didn’t know until 1971 that subtracting was adding, 1971
At the age of 70, Dorothy Antoinette "Toni" LaSelle embarked on a new series of works on paper titled Subtracting is Adding. LaSelle, known for her geometric drawings in Cray-Pas—fussy, waxy oil sticks, not particularly well-suited for delicate line work—took her usual sketchbook renderings one step further by erasing around the edges of the shapes to a halo-like effect. In some cases, this process created entirely new and unexpected forms. The redaction also added dimension. Another classy lady, Coco Chanel, famously said, "before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." Here, we celebrate less is more.
Toni LaSelle
I didn’t know until 1971 that subtracting was adding, 1971
recto: 7/9/71 / Toni LaSelle
verso: I didn't know until 1971 that subtracting was adding / D LaS / 4