Fine Arts Center Gallery to feature
work of printmaker Ralph Slatton

Jan. 5, 2005--The Fine Arts Center Gallery at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will present an exhibition of works by printmaker Ralph Slatton opening on Monday, Jan. 17. “Don’t Feed the Animals” will be on view through Wednesday, Feb. 9, when a closing reception honoring the artist will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Slatton graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor of fine arts and a master of arts before completing his studies with a master of fine arts in printmaking from the University of Iowa.  He is professor of art at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, where he has taught since 1990. Slatton has conducted technical workshops throughout the United States and his work has been featured in numerous one-person and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally.

About his work Slatton writes: “People who view these prints often respond with opposite reactions. Some experience humorous animals, while others see sinister ones. This often occurs in the art of ancient cultures, where humorous icons carry serious content. For example, the cute plump dogs found in pre-Columbian art at first appear whimsical. On the darker side, the dogs are supposedly eaten by their masters during the journey to the underworld.

“I believe my influences are considered fantasy gothic, an often-dark view of fable, humor and personal lore. I love the written works of Lewis Carol, Ray Bradbury and Robert Burns.  Printmakers such as Boyd Saunders and Deborah Mae Broad give me endless inspiration for animated animal imagery.  I also build from the conundrums made popular by the late philosopher

Alan Watts, who often wrote that without the negative, we would not have the positive.  As I embrace this duality, my animals laugh and cry, wear disguises of the strong and the weak, experience entrapment and freedom.”

The exhibition is admission-free to the public. The Fine Arts Center gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information contact the Department of Art at 870-972-3050.

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