Bio
Caught in the whirlwind of modern life in which attention is the currency, the art of being still emerges as a precious gem. The demand for more immediacy and authenticity is ever-present, but often seems just out of reach. It is only in a moment of stillness that accurate observations are made in real time. Using simple backyard nature motifs as inspiration, I make art to evoke wonder and contemplation of long-held beliefs from new perspectives.
Consider the butterfly. For a caterpillar to become a butterfly, everything, except the caterpillar's brain, liquefies inside the chrysalis. Are we willing to sacrifice what is good to build something great? Does it take one decision or a million?
My artistic process requires intense spotlight-like observation to see and understand how light hits every fold and crease of petals and leaves, and the shape, line, and texture of every hair, feather or scale of wildlife. At the same time, my art requires lantern consciousness to capture accurately the whole of my subject within the greater context of its environment and to understand how my art fits within the larger context of contemporary art.
My scratchboard process begins with direct observation of nature on my family's farm in Grant County or on a hike at a Kentucky State Park. I take photographs and make sketches of wildlife and native plants. Back in the studio, I select images that fit the theme of my next body of work. I determine the best composition and begin free-hand "drawing" my selections of flora and fauna with a sharpened knitting needle held in a pen-vice.
Unlike traditional drawing, my marks are white, as the needle scratches off the black india ink of the scratchboard panels to expose the white clay underneath. Thus, I concentrate on where light highlights form. I leave shadowy areas black or with less marks.
If I am adding color to a piece, I will plan ahead and over-scratch an area to add in colorful inks and/or iridescent watercolors. The shimmering colors next to the matte black ink are reminiscent of traditional Japanese embroidery on black silk kimonos. The cycle of scratching and painting is repeated until each work is complete.
Learn more at lindseykiser.com.