Steve
Chappell: Finding the Story Within the Wood
Wood block has always been a fascinating and beautiful technique of printmaking. The talents surrounding this art form include drawing, carving, not to mention the multiple steps of the printing and color application. Steve Chappell handles all of these talents with skill, precision, and imagination.
Chappell has been involved in the art of printmaking since the early 1980's. In addition to the beautiful wood block prints that he creates, he has also been involved in comic book creation, as well as producing books such as the most recently published 'Warm Rain in Mexico'. (See Review HERE). These are all done through Rolling Tire Productions, the print production company that he does. Rolling Tire Productions not only serves as a means for creating the art work that he produces and sells, but as a way to give back to the children in his community. He just recently completed a project with Lowell Elementary School. The kids were invited to participate in an after school project in which they used their drawing and story telling skills to create a collection of comic book strips. These strips were then printed and published into books by Rolling Tire Productions, giving the participating children a way to express creativity and have a sense of ownership in a project they were part of.
The
artwork of Steve Chappell can be found in a variety of commissioned
pieces throughout the area. His work has been part of publications
such as The Madison Review and Liberty Tree. Any fans of the
Bartell Theatre and has been to the theater's website will recognize the
beautiful commissioned piece that Chappell did (it is on the home page
of the website). These were done for a fundraiser for the
community theater. The fundraising side of Chappell doesn't stop
with Bartell, as he is currently working with the Madison Made Music
Project, which is working to raise money for the Community Action
Coalition and Porchlight.
The
fundraising and charity work that Steve Chappell participates in is no
surprise when you look at the socially conscious subject matter that he
creates. As with many artists, Chappell uses his talent to make a
statement concerning issues and concerns of our time. War, peace,
corporate takeover, poverty. These are topics of discussion found
in Chappell's pieces. It is with hopes that through viewing the
intricate work of Steve Chappell's prints, dialogue can can occur to
begin tackling the social issues that we face in this country.
You can view more of Steve Chappell's work by going to www.schappellstudio.com or by visiting Absolutely Art (on Atwood Ave) or Fair Trade Coffee.
Any comments, questions, or suggestions can be emailed to contessasays@gmail.com