Embedded Files
All artwork is captioned and includes alt-text.
The Picnic
The Picnic
2020
2020
copper-plate print on Western paper
copper-plate print on Western paper
16.25" × 16.25" (framed and matted)
16.25" × 16.25" (framed and matted)
$165
$165
Imagine three flies dancing on a square of a picnic blanket. The image uses realistic impressionism to depict three flies in black, embossed from copper plates using a sugar-lift process, on white Western paper, matted in red with a black metal frame.
The Grasshopper - SOLD
The Grasshopper - SOLD
2020
2020
sugar-lift, copper-plate print on Western paper
sugar-lift, copper-plate print on Western paper
16.25" × 16.25" (framed and matted)
16.25" × 16.25" (framed and matted)
$165
$165
This image captures a grasshopper in motion, a copper-plate print in black on white Western paper, matted in green with a black metal frame.
The Yellowjacket
The Yellowjacket
2020
2020
sugar-lift, copper-plate print on Western paper
sugar-lift, copper-plate print on Western paper
32" x 24" (framed with double-matted)
32" x 24" (framed with double-matted)
$300
$300
Detailed image description for The Yellowjacket
Detailed image description for The Yellowjacket
In this line drawing we see a flying insect seemingly hovering in the air of the upper-left of the artwork, pointed directly up, with its triangular head on top, joined by a very thin connection to its roundish thorax (smaller than its head) and then similarly joined to a longer narrow abdomen. There appears to be a sharp stinger at the bottom end.
Out of the thorax protrude long diaphanous wings left and right; both are detailed and express some tearing damage, especially the one on the left, which is shorter. There are a set of legs to the left, some straight and some, nearer the head, bent at multiple joints.
Under the insect, taking up the bottom-third and much of the middle right are a set of messy curved lines. Some are small curlicues. One coalesces to form a tight wad. There are some shorter horizontal lines. Some just under and to the right of the arthropod suggest floating small leaves. The overall impression is of wind-aided movement.
All the lines are a light blackish color. The background is a slightly yellow, very light gray-brown. There’s a dark blackish area at the very top that seems to drip down about 20% of the way to eventually blend in with the dominant background. There are a few short sharper dark lines extending down in the right of that top area.
Written by Thom Haynes, Arts Access Audio Describer
About Murphy
About Murphy
I'm a multimedia artist from Charlotte majoring in Sequential Art, Printmaking, and Ceramics at Savannah College of Art and Design. My submissions, “The Yellowjacket,” “The Picnic,” and “The Grasshopper” are copper-plate etchings and use the sugar-lift process to create movement and impressionism in a concrete image that honors the beauty in the everyday.
These pieces are part of a bigger series called “The Bug Collection: Beauty in Dark Places,” where I tried to shine a spotlight on the interesting details and characteristics in insects that people may not traditionally consider special. I think the sugar-lift process really enhances some of the features of their bodies and shape and gives them a sense of character and life.
I love to focus on nature and natural subjects, and I first found a love for printmaking as a student in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, where I was introduced to etching on Plexiglass.
I also have a special interest in young audiences, and I hope to use my art in ways that resonate and engage, whether that’s through hands-on experience, teaching, encouragement, inspiration, or through the work and art itself. I have struggled with learning disabilities, and art has been my portal to reading, learning, growing as a person, socially, and in a college.
Art Unblocked represents an important opportunity to showcase my work and to represent those who discover the arts as a tool and support for challenges; a voice for when words fail; and a celebration of life and creativity.
People say I'm persistent, loyal, and a hard worker, and I like to see the best in others. I love art, libraries, greyhounds, and nature, and I'm eager to see my work displayed in North Carolina, the state where I grew up and hope to work as an artist.
All images and text belong to Murphy McCully, except where noted.
Page updated
Report abuse