Robbie Lacomb: MY WORK

Taking form in many media, my work is usually

metaphoric, whether photography, computer

imagery, prints or paintings. Influenced by

nature, especially the powers of plants and

humankind's relationship with the botanical

kingdom, the works may be very abstract or

very realistic. Formal concerns include a

preoccupation with shape as a carrier of

meaning, Color and texture are also important

elements used for communicative force. The

choice of particular surfaces, papers and

pigments, the interplay of text and image, and

the placement of elements for tension or

harmony - all are important considerations. As

an artist, I believe that life means ongoing

transition. For this reason, process is a basic

underlying factor in my work. Increasingly, the

new technologies have become important for

the artist of today. My photography has

become strictly digital, and the seduction of the

computer has led me to the use of digital

letterpress as well. However, this has only

served to spark my interest in the historical

processes of text and image printing.

Traditional letterpresses, lead type and the

woodcut and wood engraving are passionate

interests for me. The intellectual satisfaction of

the digital processes is balanced with the

hands-on physicality of the traditional. Each is

sensual in its own way. Book Arts then takes its

place in the current developments of work in

my studio. Like anything else organic, my work

is constantly becoming.