Digging for Roots: Wild-Crafted Artwork
Plants and Animals Portrayed
A curious boy squats as he discovers a prairie dog; a proud turkey dares anyone to comment on his beard. The largest tree in the world simply stands tall as Sarah smiles.
These scenes are only four out of 29 captured in impeccable detail by Nick Neddo (three shown here). His drawings—made with charcoals, crayons, inks, and paint—hang in pine frames in the Council’s Spotlight Gallery. Nick built the frames. And made the crayons. And the charcoals. And the ink.
Foraging for Materials
This exhibit opens just as Nick’s first book is published. In “The Organic Artist” willows become pens, acorns become ink, beeswax becomes crayons. Take this one step further. Willow branches are sketched with willow pens, bees rendered in beeswax crayons, and acorns portrayed in their own ink.
Since childhood, Nick has been intrigued by study of the natural world, primitive skills, and creating art. He recollects that he has been “making art since he could first pick up a crayon.” It might be the long way around, but in his artist statement, Nick describes in three words his reason for making art “the hard way.”
He says, “I like to.”
Artist Reception
You can meet Nick Neddo in person during a reception at the Vermont Arts Council from 4:30 to 7:30 January 23. He’ll also be signing books at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier during the Montpelier Art Walk February 6. His book is available at the Council for $25.
exhibit photo album
Nick’s website
buy the book online
hear Mary Williams interview Nick