A Man Who Has Known All Seasons , etching , 16" x 20"
Fishing at Sebastian, etching , 26"x 30"
Artist's Statement
I am an artist with a solid academic and professional background. My ability to create a world common but unique has allowed me to express and share my visions with refined passion. It may come from movements of light in a pine scented forest, the sound of squawking sea gulls over a good meal, or illusive images as I pass by. Starting with a quick sketch, I develop the relationships of the idea until the impact of the composition and simplicity of the design are met. Only then do I transpose my ideas to the metal plate. Days, weeks, or months may pass before I've finished one etching.
Most of my etchings are created on zinc plates. The image is carved into the metal with nitric acid creating lines and textures that hold the ink. Because the created image is below the surface of the metal plate, an etching is also referred to as Intaglio, which means below the surface. Each time an etching is pulled from the plate it is inked by hand, wiped, and rolled through the etching plate at approximately 1,200 lbs of pressure per square inch. The pressure is required to force the printing paper down into the smallest etched lines. The paper is then slowly pulled off the plate to reveal the created image hidden below the surface. The etching is an original print. The image cannot be seen or experienced in its true image until it is pulled one at a time.
The etching plate is not unlike a sheet of music, each must be transformed to be experienced at its potential. The etching plate must be printed as the last step of the creative process. The sheet music must also be interpreted and performed by the best talent to experience the dynamic potential of the composer's vision. There is no quick way to produce an original, there is no button reading print, play, or replay. That's part of the beauty of live performances and original works of art have to offer.
-L.N