How the past shapes the future
Artist Jacob Taylor Gibson
Currently based in Denton, Texas, Jacob Taylor Gibson is in his final year of an MFA with a concentration in printmaking from the University of North Texas. Creating work through printmaking, ceramics, and installation, his pieces have been published in a variety of magazines, been shown nationally and internationally in Italy and Australia, and are part of the permanent collections of many museums.
Drawing from antique objects, patterns and spaces, Gibson infuses the idea that past events or trauma shape who we are. Muted tones interrupted by harsh marks give a weathered look to the prints while silhouettes in a warm color palate evoke a feeling of familiarity, similar to looking at worn antique photographs. Gibson achieves the weathered marks on his printing plate by repeatedly throwing and sliding it across concrete and asphalt.
Gibson writes in his artist statement:
“A unique duality is formed through the practice of printmaking. In the initial lithographic layers, a nurturing relationship is formed between artist and image, but that tenderness is ultimately subverted through the use of intaglio [incising] processes.
The final layer of the print transforms a once warm space into a degraded, tumultuous environment mimicking abusive spaces. My role as both caregiver and abuser is integral to the work and examines how learned behaviors will continue to be repeated until those abused take on active introspection through mindfully cutting off a pattern caused by the misdeeds of others."
Gibson has a unique perspective and effectively uses simple compositions to evoke deep emotion. His piece “I Don’t Know What’s Good For Me (Rat King)” has a quiet power. The telephone receivers form a circle, connected by knotted wires in the center of the circle. This phenomena happens with real rats, their tails become entangled in such a way that they cannot escape and the rats die.
His work makes room for the viewer to bring their own past experiences to be contemplated in the spaces he creates.
Gibson recently traveled to the University of Alabama as a guest artist to teach a workshop on his printmaking techniques. Follow him on Instagram @jacobtaylorgibson or check out his work on his website jacobtylergibson.com.