Illuminated

Trusler Gallery

Emporia Arts Center

Emporia, Kansas

2021

The works in this show are heavily influenced by illuminated medieval manuscripts, bestiaries, Bible stories, Christianity, altar pieces, stained glass windows, and church interiors.

As a graphic designer, I have a love for typography, and the illuminated letters are an attempt to combine my graphic design and artistic interests.

The drawings are an exploration of color, pattern, calligraphy, and Celtic knots.

Recently, I learned how to engrave, allowing me to return to intaglio printmaking, a process I had not explored for many years. The images are inspired by the Book of Kells, Bible stories, and other common themes found in illuminated manuscripts, with a touch of contemporary satire.

Artist Statement

As I reach the middle to later parts of my life, I spend more time thinking about the big questions in life. Why am I here, how did I get here, what influences made me who I am today, and what do I want to do with my life? My upbringing was typical Midwestern, middle class, Christian (specifically Catholic), conservative, safe, and comfortable, within a loving family of six.

The concept of “faith” has always been challenging for me. I tend to question and over analyze everything, seeking other plausible explanations. My work is an examination of my thoughts on these subjects, attempting to convey my struggles, confusion, guilt, and ongoing search to find answers. The images are not intended offend, or be irreverent, but illustrate these topics as I currently see them. I have no answers, only questions and theories.

A with Saint | Ink and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
Celtic Inspired D | Ink on Paper | 3.25" x 4" | 2021
Saint George's Dragon | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
Gothic Inspired J | Ink on Paper | 2.125" x 4" | 2021
Gothic Inspired M | Ink on Paper | 4.25" x 4.5" | 2021 | SOLD
P with Green Vines | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4.5" x 4.5" | 2021 | SOLD
Fire Dog S | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4.5" x 4.5" | 2021 | SOLD
V with Vine | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
Y | Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3" x 4" | 2022
Gothic Inspired B | Ink on Paper | 3.75" x 3.75" | 2021 | SOLD
Ottonian Inspired E | Ink on Paper | 4.25" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
H with Knight Fighting a Snail | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
9th Century Inspired K | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4.25" x 4.25" | 2021 | SOLD
N | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4.25" x 7" | 2021
Devil's Tongue Q | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 3.75" x 3.75" | 2021 | SOLD
T v2 | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 3.75" x 5" | 2021
9th Century Inspired W | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 3.75" x 3.5" | 2021 | SOLD
Z | Gouache and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2022 | SOLD
C with Clematis | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
Romanesque Inspired F in Blue | Ink on Paper | 3.25" x 4.75" | 2021
I | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 3.125" x 4.375" | 2021 | SOLD
14th Century Italian Inspired L | Ink on Paper | 3.75" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
10th Century Ottonian Inspired O | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021 | SOLD
Illuminated letter R
Renaissance White Vine Inspired U | Ink, Gouache, and Gold Leaf on Paper | 4" x 4" | 2021
X with Knight Fighting Snails | Ink and Gouache on Paper | 4.25" x 4.25" | 2021
Revelation left 111921
Red Influencers 111921
Revelation right 111921
Blue Influencers 111921