Ralph Ferro: 'Expressive Figurative, Black & White Linocuts'

Creative Connections Gift Shop & Gallery
August 5 - September 30, 2023
Opening Reception Saturday August 5, 12-2PM
56 Main Street, Ashburnham MA

Artist Statement:
"I became interested in printmaking after discovering the black and white woodcuts of the German Expressionist artists. It was the work of Kathe Kollwitz that moved me the most. Her powerful imagery stayed with me long after viewing. Like the Expressionists, I strive to evoke mood and emotion through my work. My Christian faith, as well as growing up in a diverse housing project, has also influenced me. I ground my compositions in the observation of life and human relationships. I enjoy producing pieces with biblical topics, musical themes, and folk art. Sometimes I add words to my compositions to add interest. It is not important to me to create an aesthetically pretty scene, rather one that speaks to the observer. There is a story in each piece. Within that story comes emotional expression that I hope the viewer can capture. The adaptability of the medium encourages individual approaches and a variety of cuts. When beginning a work, I sketch and develop the piece directly on the linoleum, understanding that the image will print in reverse. Once developed, I carve into the linoleum whittling away the un-drawn areas leaving room for free expression in the cutting of each piece. I roll ink onto the linoleum block, then align paper over the inked area, and run the block through a hand-turned press. The paper is lifted, transferring the image. The result is a print with striking differences between the dark and light tones, making the stylized figures come to life with character and personality."