Ron Criswell

The Red Dragon - 60' X 24'
Artist Statement
The current Art I am doing developed from taking a print making class. After doing metal plate prints for a while, I discovered a way of print making that is probably one of the oldest printmaking methods. Wood block printing just seemed to naturally suit me. I truly believe an artist must enjoy the process of doing the Art. I have always been able to handle just about any method, material, or technique to make Art, but haven't always enjoyed doing some techniques. Cutting wood seems to totally agree with me. Wood is organic and I love the outdoors so maybe, that is it...
After working with wood block for a while, I thought to myself “These would make a good sculpture.” Lately, I have been working more 3 dimensionally, I have also been exploring the painting of these sculptures and digital photograph manipulation painted with metallic and acrylic paints. It is almost like a hidden force directing me. I had a teacher say “It is a gift.” Maybe so... Something seems to compel me.
The current Art I am doing developed from taking a print making class. After doing metal plate prints for a while, I discovered a way of print making that is probably one of the oldest printmaking methods. Wood block printing just seemed to naturally suit me. I truly believe an artist must enjoy the process of doing the Art. I have always been able to handle just about any method, material, or technique to make Art, but haven't always enjoyed doing some techniques. Cutting wood seems to totally agree with me. Wood is organic and I love the outdoors so maybe, that is it...
After working with wood block for a while, I thought to myself “These would make a good sculpture.” Lately, I have been working more 3 dimensionally, I have also been exploring the painting of these sculptures and digital photograph manipulation painted with metallic and acrylic paints. It is almost like a hidden force directing me. I had a teacher say “It is a gift.” Maybe so... Something seems to compel me.