Ralph Kiggell: Sacred Shapes

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Sacred Shapes – Accordion Book

Yesterday I posted Ralph Kiggell’s Temple Dogs series of woodblock prints, and quoted excerpts from his blog that described his process. Today I’m sharing his Sacred Shapes series of 12 woodblocks. They also have a simple concept, repeated in iterations, in which the subject is abstracted to the point it is a compositional element. Similar to yesterday’s dogs, these Sacred Shapes also have a bit of humor included. A while back I wrote a V.Note about how difficult it can be for art to be humorous. Fine lines, so to speak.

Bonus: This post includes a very nicely written artist statement, a rare thing. Notice how his writing is similar in tone to his artwork, and how he avoids inflated and indirect flippity-floppity wishity-washity art speak. He does not even use the word “juxtapose.”

Kiggell’s website is quoted below:

TWELVE SACRED SHAPES 

“In Twelve Sacred Shapes, a group of apparently unrelated international objects from science, geography and nature translate the kranok shape. These shapes mimic the upward curving forms and pointy flicks seen in, for example, temple decoration, Thai writing and in the long fingernails of temple dancers, all of which rise auspiciously toward a better, more sacred, place than the earth on which our feet stand.”

Do you enjoy the look of the woodgrain? Do you enjoy these simple compositional shapes? Woodblock is an excellent class for painters and designers. It strengthens our compositions, and our ability to think through an artwork so we don’t end up in the weeds. If you enjoy curls of wood shavings, and meditative processes with clear steps (unlike painting), try our new Contemporary Woodblock class. I thought I’d be sick of woodblock after carving that giant steamroller Rhino but I only got more interested. The house spent carving were very pleasant, and I liked the result quite a bit. I discovered I actually kinda like this stuff. I’m taking this Fall Contemporary Woodblocks class on Monday mornings. Want to join me? Sign up now! Don’t wait! This class starts September 17th.