Jonathan Gibbs

Jonathan Gibbs
My own photograph

In summary, Jonathan Gibbs's exhibited work possess various qualities that can be referenced to enrich my own work and learning - his minimal and graphical use of natural references and drawing are deeply contemporary whilst intriguing through their traditional, rustic print medium.

Jonathan Gibb's wood block gallery selection consisted of a variety of commission and personal works. His work is consistently stylised and encompasses a vivid description of the process / medium (wood block). They are focused on themes of nature and utilise mark-making and design that echoes this - in the form of flowing line and hatching that could be referred to wood grain or bark - further describing the medium of wood block.

His works compositions feature stylised fictitious dioramas that often span - or encompass - multiple settings like sea and land or above and below water. His work is enhanced by its modest setting - highlighting the hard line of print against the negative space of the white canvas.

The characters depicted within his work - primarily animals, enforcing his focus on nature - are assembled by basic shapes, accented by sparingly used dotting and line. This reflects the appearance of the animal but also heavily adapts it from life - becoming more abstract and 'sculpted' - potentially relatable to indigenous north American art.