Frank La Pena

Frank La Pena (1937–2019) was a member of the Nisenan Maidu and Numu (Northern Paiute) tribes, known for his vibrant paintings and masterful prints

Recognition

Black

Woodblock

Woodcut

Woodcut is a form of printmaking where an image is carved into a block of wood, leaving the raised areas to be inked and printed onto paper or fabric. This process dates back to ancient China and has since been practiced globally. Artists typically use tools like chisels and knives to carve intricate designs or patterns into the wood surface. Once the carving is complete, ink is applied to the raised surface using a brayer or roller, and then paper is pressed onto the block to transfer the image. The result is a bold, graphic print with a distinctive texture and character that reflects the natural grain of the wood. Woodcut is celebrated for its simplicity and versatility, allowing artists to create both intricate details and bold, expressive compositions.

The World is a Gift

Print

Squeak Carnwath

Squeak Carnwath is an American artist known for her colorful and expressive paintings, prints, and installations.

Lotus

Carnwath brings to life the softness of the lotus through use of softground etching – her light pencil strokes are captured on the copper plate.

Composition

Female Bay Area artist who is a professor at UC Berkeley and whose collections are in the Metropolitan, American Academy of Arts, and SFMoMA.

Carnwath creates a harmonious world in her delicate, ambiguous forms.

Intent

Carnwath's delicate, conversational prints make great collection accents. This artist has an auction record of $30K.

Ceres Take

John Chamberlain

John Chamberlain was an American sculptor known for his innovative use of crushed and twisted automobile parts to create abstract sculptures.

Suite 2

This compression of form on copper plate mirrors the folding of steel from Chamberlain's renown sculptures.

Chamberlain achieved critical acclaim in the1960s as an Abstract Expressionist later to explore printmaking. His work was given a retrospective at the Guggenheim.

Chamberlain considered printing all the plates in delicate colors to undercut the rigor of drypoint engraving, but instead opted for bold black to trace the vigor of his hand.

With a $5M auction record, this artist was formidable in every medium he explored.

Catherine Lee

Catherine Lee is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings.

Down

A believer in the power of abstraction, Lee's irregular grids and monochrome colors have been exhibited in the MoMA, the Tate, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

Postminimalist attention to material, process, and form.

Lee imbues the counties of Ireland with form and tonality.

Contemporary female artist whose subject matters fit together like geometric puzzles.

The World is a Gift

Frank La Pena

Value Indicators

Woodcut

COMPLEMENTARY WORKS

The World is a Gift

Frank La Pena