Artful Scrolls & Engraver Jason Marchiafava
Scrolls of imaginative and ornamental patterns can be found throughout the hand engraving world. As the process of cutting a scroll unfolds, it is as if you are watching leaves uncurl and vines intertwine. When I began engraving, I was introduced to the concepts behind designing a layout by a very talented engraver, Jason Marchiafava. Therefore it made perfect sense to introduce you all to him now. Thanks again, Jason for supplying this evenings imagery.
When I began to observe and create ornamental scroll work, it became apparent just how full the world is of these entrancing works of art. From the pattern on a wall to the chair I am sitting in now, these illustratively stunning details seem to creep into my visual world every other minute.
Inspired by nature, the curling of an Oak leaf, and the blooming of a flower.... the key to a well engraved scroll begins with layout. 
As we draw and paint the scroll,we train our minds to the patterns of line and the cuts in the metal become second nature.
Technique breaks the lusciousness of the scroll into a well defined series of repetitious cuts.
As we draw and paint the scroll,we train our minds to the patterns of line and the cuts in the metal become second nature.
Technique breaks the lusciousness of the scroll into a well defined series of repetitious cuts.
I had the fortune of first observing these techniques through Jason's skillful hands. This is evident through the Scrolls pictured here inlaid with 24K Gold & featuring exhibition grade Banknote engraving.
The shaded depth is created through the reflection and absorption of light. The true beauty of a hand engraved scroll lies in it's ability to dance light through each cut...giving us the impression of motion.
When I began to observe and create ornamental scroll work, it became apparent just how full the world is of these entrancing works of art. From the pattern on a wall to the chair I am sitting in now, these illustratively stunning details seem to creep into my visual world every other minute.My final thought to leave you with this evening is a suggestion ...
As you wander through your world for the next few days , make a point to observe the scrolls hiding within you surroundings and allow your eyes a moment to enjoy!
Written by Kathryn Holton Stewart
Images & Engraving Samples by Jason Marchiafava
There is something almost spiritual about a good scroll. Jason's work is inspirational! It truly amazing to see where all these scrolls turn up. Pretty much every culture and period of time has scroll. There must be something innately human about it. Thanks for a great blog :D
ReplyDeleteThank you. Kathryn and Ben.
ReplyDeleteScrolls have certainly become an important part of my life over the past ten years. I have to thank my teachers for teaching me how to SEE them. The idea at least for me at this point is to create motion using lines. No one would ever figure that there are only three basic forms making up my particular style scrolls. The spiral, the cresent shape, and the "S" shape. Multiplied and layered....
Thank you guys so much!
.o
ReplyDelete