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Against the Grain: Fingerprints from the Forest

Where

Noble Gallery, February 1 - March 2

Ron Daise Auditorium, March 8 - March 30

When
Sat, Feb 1 - Sun, Mar 2 2025, All day
Sat, Feb 1 - Sun, Mar 2 2025
9:30am - 4:30pm
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Stephen's Art

Step into a world where art and nature intertwine to tell the story of trees—their life, legacy, and quiet resilience. In Against the Grain: Fingerprints from the Forest, artist Stephen King masterfully captures the intricate beauty and essence of trees through his innovative relief printmaking process. Working with fallen trees and salvaged wood, Stephen transforms overlooked materials into striking works of art, preserving their unique patterns and history on paper.

Each print is a tribute to trees as “old souls” and “unsung heroes” of our ecosystem—essential protectors of life whose significance often goes unnoticed. Through his work, Stephen invites us to see trees not merely as resources but as ancient giants, vital to our planet’s health and teeming with stories etched in their rings.

This exhibition marks Stephen’s debut at Brookgreen Gardens, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience his deeply personal vision. The prints on display challenge us to view trees through a new lens, celebrating their natural elegance and inviting reflection on their indispensable role in sustaining life.

As you explore Against the Grain: Fingerprints from the Forest, take a moment to connect with the silent strength of these towering giants and the artistry that breathes new life into their remnants. Let Stephen’s work inspire you to see the world—and the trees around you—with renewed awe and appreciation.

This is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to honor the beauty and vitality of the forest, one print at a time.

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Stephen King

About the Artist:

Stephen King aka “Sap”, a fourth-generation woodworker turned printmaker, creates breathtaking relief prints of trees that celebrate the beauty and individuality of nature. Having grown up immersed in woodworking—from framing houses to finish carpentry and hardwood flooring installation—Stephen developed a profound love for wood, especially its grain. This passion, combined with his artistic vision, led him to transform the material he knows so well into intricate works of art.

Stephen’s process begins with a deep respect for sustainability; he only uses wood sourced from previously felled trees. He sees each tree as unique, much like a human fingerprint. Its growth rings tell a story of resilience—how it weathered harsh winters and thrived in optimal seasons to grow tall and strong. Every species of tree prints differently, with its own textures and nuances, requiring Stephen to adapt his technique for each piece. He also incorporates vibrant colors into his work, ensuring each print is as distinct as the tree it represents.

Inspired by pop culture, influential artists, and the zeitgeist, Stephen infuses his art with contemporary relevance, blending natural elements with modern aesthetics. His mission is to challenge viewers to see trees not as static elements of the environment, but as living, dynamic beings. Through his prints, Stephen hopes to inspire a deeper connection to nature and an appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the natural world.

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