Keith Pettit - Under Shopham Bridge
Wood engraving
15 x 10 cm (image) 36.5 x 31 cm (frame)
This engraving shows a hidden scene under the northern arch of Shopham Bridge on the river Rother near Petworth. A trapped tree limb drew my attention, and then I noticed hidden in the banks grasses that there was a ledge tucked under the arch. When I explored further I found it to be the remains of a beautifully cobbled tow path from the 1794 canalization of the river. I was drawn to the story that told of the river's history and humans' use of this natural resource.
The strong geometric shapes, the arch turning into a complete circle by the reflection and shadow cast on and into the water (which could also be seen as a metaphor for the water's journey the sun sat at the top, driving this cycle), the towpath describing the vanishing point made this an exciting composition to attempt. Light and reflected light has become so important to me as an engraver; we literally let the light in to create form on the wood block.
Wood engraving
15 x 10 cm (image) 36.5 x 31 cm (frame)
This engraving shows a hidden scene under the northern arch of Shopham Bridge on the river Rother near Petworth. A trapped tree limb drew my attention, and then I noticed hidden in the banks grasses that there was a ledge tucked under the arch. When I explored further I found it to be the remains of a beautifully cobbled tow path from the 1794 canalization of the river. I was drawn to the story that told of the river's history and humans' use of this natural resource.
The strong geometric shapes, the arch turning into a complete circle by the reflection and shadow cast on and into the water (which could also be seen as a metaphor for the water's journey the sun sat at the top, driving this cycle), the towpath describing the vanishing point made this an exciting composition to attempt. Light and reflected light has become so important to me as an engraver; we literally let the light in to create form on the wood block.
Wood engraving
15 x 10 cm (image) 36.5 x 31 cm (frame)
This engraving shows a hidden scene under the northern arch of Shopham Bridge on the river Rother near Petworth. A trapped tree limb drew my attention, and then I noticed hidden in the banks grasses that there was a ledge tucked under the arch. When I explored further I found it to be the remains of a beautifully cobbled tow path from the 1794 canalization of the river. I was drawn to the story that told of the river's history and humans' use of this natural resource.
The strong geometric shapes, the arch turning into a complete circle by the reflection and shadow cast on and into the water (which could also be seen as a metaphor for the water's journey the sun sat at the top, driving this cycle), the towpath describing the vanishing point made this an exciting composition to attempt. Light and reflected light has become so important to me as an engraver; we literally let the light in to create form on the wood block.