Brian Simas
After many years, I have discovered that my art and its process is a therapeutic escape from the emotional rigors of the world. The farther I can detach myself from the contemporary, the better. And so, I find release and sanctuary within the antique, repetitive and laborious methods of intaglio and relief printmaking.
In my body of work I rely and pay homage to the old masters such as Albrecht Dürer and Katsushika Hokusai. Working primarily in a dark, monochromatic scheme, the bold and graphic contrast of my marks along with a detailed line language is consistent throughout my prints and sumi-e paintings. My subject matter varies from moody, imaginary settings and figures to nature studies and quasi abstractions of my own personal experiences and interests. I find further satisfaction in studying and rendering patterns and detail.
As many others before me, I forever chase the moments where I can effortlessly lose sense of time and exterior self to the repetitive rituals of the printmaking medium. The added benefit is the total freedom of expression of oneself in this mindful and meditative craft.