ARTIST BIO
Neil Shigley's work is focused on the human condition. For over two decades, his work has been dedicated to the "Invisible People"—a series of large-scale block prints that portrait the homeless population with a dignity and permanence rarely afforded to them.
By using the rugged, labor-intensive medium of block printing, Shigley creates a physical connection between the process of carving and the weathered resilience of his subjects. His work has been recognized globally, and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian.
He continues to be committed to puishing the boundaries of printmaking while maintaining a deep commitment to the social narratives of his subjects.
ARTIST STATEMENT
"This work has become something beyond art-making. It's become an act of witness. I came to understand that art has the power to focus attention — and that this project, in particular, could be used for good. It can raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and ultimately move people toward action and change."
PROJECT EVOLUTION
San Diego, CA
San Diego CA
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
San Diego CA
San Diego CA
Beverly Hills, CA
San Diego, CA
CA
Washington, DC
San Diego, CA
Oceanside, CA
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
www.lomabeat.com
www.plough.com
www.kpbs.org
Syracuse, NY
Syracuse, NY
Vanguard Culture
Escondido, CA
San Diego, CA
Salt Lake City, UT
Lihue, Kauai HI
Seattle, WA
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
www.canvasrebel.com
San Diego, CA
Oceanside, CA
Portraits
ON LOCATION
EXHIBITS
MEDIA
VIEW ALL
THE CRAFT
Neil's Process
01
MEETING & INTERVIEW
Seek to Understand
"You can't just take a photo. You have to listen first."
02
SKETCHING & COMPOSITION
TECHNIQUE INFO
Pencil and charcoal on 48" x 96" plywood sheets.
03
CARVING THE BLOCK
This is the most physical stage. Using chisels and gouges, Neil carves away the highlights, leaving the surface that will carry the ink. It's a meditative and exhausting process that can take weeks.
MATERIALS & TOOLS
Flexible
04
INKING & PRINTING
Heavy oil-based ink is rolled onto the surface. Massive sheets of Japanese Kozo paper are laid over the block, and the image is transferred using hand-burnishing and a large-format press.
PAPER SPEC
120g/m² Mulberry/Kozo Paper rolls.
