Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Artist etches life in detail

By LARITA JACOBS, Times Correspondent
Published November 22, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Special to the Times] A John Costin etching of a brown pelican on display at the museum.

The wild turkey struts through the trees as the brown pelican skims the water's surface.

Nearby, an Everglades snail kite curls its talons around its dinner and a tricolored heron shows its unusual white belly. These birds and a dozen more are ready to meet you at the Gulf Coast Museum's newest art display.

Ybor City artist John Costin produces life-size etchings of Florida birds that are so detailed the feathers have texture and birds seem to be inspecting the viewers.

Costin's work will be on display at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art through Jan. 6. His exhibit, "John Costin: Wings of Splendor," features portraits of Florida birds.

The secret to his work comes from the centuries-old process of etching combined with unique methods he created.

"John's love for birds, interest in science and background in contemporary art collide in this wonderful display of talent," said Christine Renc-Carter, curator of the Costin exhibit.

It is a combination of science and art. The process of etching involves using acids to carve images on copper plates and using a press to create the image on paper.

From hand-pulling the images through the press to hand-coloring the vibrant works, Costin is involved in every step.

The etching process is very time consuming. Costin spends five to nine weeks etching the image on copper while building layers of textures and tones. Then he may try many proofs before getting the one he wants. Nevertheless, Costin says etching is the perfect medium for the bird project as it allows the images to be more realistic.

"Black lines can be distinct; I can create more textures and bring out more depths of color," Costin said. "Etching is not flat, like other photographic processes."

To better understand the process, the Gulf Museum display includes a hand-turned press, etching tools, diagrams, a display of Costin's and a nine-minute PBS video of Costin at work.

The quality that comes from the complex process has given Costin a following of both individual and corporate collectors. The bird prints on display are part of the limited-edition book Costin is creating.

The book has been registered with the Library of Congress and can be found in collections nationwide, including the State Library of Florida, Raymond James, Inc. and the University of Miami. Unlike most museum displays, Costin's work will be for sale during the exhibition. Costin is quick to point out that he wants his work to be accessible to more than just large investors.

"This print method allows me to print smaller items at affordable prices," Costin said, "while still being hand printed and hand colored."

IF YOU GO:

What: Wings of Splendor

Where: Gulf Coast Museum of Art, 12211 Walsingham Road

When: Exhibit runs through Jan. 6, 2008.

For more information, call (727) 518-6833

[Last modified November 21, 2007, 21:21:23]