Lot 185A
David Smith-Harrison (American, b. 1959). "Two Palms with Urns" etching, 2002. Trial proof. Hand-signed in graphite with "T.P." and title below etching. A beautiful trial proof etching by American artist David Smith-Harrison titled "Two Palms with Urns." Perhaps set in the Mediterranean, the stunning scene depicts a pair of towering palms beside a Classical staircase comprised of piriform balusters and a trio of urns resembling Ancient Greek krater amphorae. Size of image: 23.5" W x 16" H (59.7 cm x 40.6 cm); of frame: 38" W x 31.25" H (96.5 cm x 79.4 cm)
Artist Statement: "Drawing is of central importance to me. I am fascinated with the magic of drawing, of making marks which provide parallels with experience; marks which are able to express ones feelings for form, space, light and movement. I consider drawing to be a very personal, searching process, and a tool for developing powers of observation and memory.
My approach to printmaking relies very much on drawing. I am attracted to the infinite possibilities of impressing ink onto paper and I find the unique textural characteristics of prints to be stimulating, seductive, and full of subtlety and nuance. My prints evolve and develop slowly. This gradual process allows me to become very involved with the subject. Because of this intense and continual observation, I feel I am able to make a sensitive, and intimate statement about the subject. Hand coloring my intaglio etching provides opportunities to further explore unique color harmonies and characteristics that can strikingly alter the mood of an image.
I am naturally attracted towards realism and approach my work knowing that both conscious and unconscious influences will impart its direction. I fully acknowledge that my influences are a component of the collective theories of picture-making. I carefully examine the artwork of fellow artists, both past and present, and I believe that I gain great enrichment and understanding from these reflections and studies. I have an enormous respect for the art of the past - particularly for the great draftsmen and artists of the Italian Renaissance. I believe that one can retain respect for great masters without necessarily imitating or becoming subordinate to them. I know that my own artwork is derived from elements of art history as well as my own life. I believe there is succession and lineage in all art. I also greatly admire the exciting possibilities that are being explored by our modern digital artists and technologies.
Life presents us with many opportunities to understand and reveal ourselves. I believe that image-making can help one gain nearness to ones own psychological realities. I seek to understand my interests and desires by contemplating and recording my observations, thereby striving to make sense of my own time and space while finding joy in the human experience.
I approach the making of images seriously and hope that my artwork will reveal something poetic and universally true about our human condition and environment. Converting ideas into marks and lines on paper or on a printing plate, a canvas or a panel, excites my mind and invigorates my imagination. When this goes well, it provides intense pleasure which delights me and enriches my life, and hopefully the lives of others." (source: artist's website)
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
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#186160
- Condition: Hand-signed in graphite with "T.P." and title below etching. Set behind glass in custom matte and frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Has not been examined outside of glass, but appears to be in excellent overall condition.
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