Figures of Speech

etching, letterpress | 61.5″ x 68.5″ (framed), 8.125″ x 9.25″ (page) | edition of 5 | 2021

This array of verb-shapes represents only a small part of a rich trove of information that you unknowingly access every time you use language. Repeated shapes, both etched and collaged, combine to form visual representations of a number of classes of English verbs. Running alphabetical lists of words (totaling 1566 in all) are printed across the pages in each row, grouped according to unconsciously known patterns in the meaning and use of vocabulary. Each list belongs to a class of verbs that share structural properties, but that on the surface don’t appear to have much in common. The piece reveals connections across the mental lexicon, while giving shape- and pattern-related hints as to what those connections are. It is left for the viewer to analyze, guess, or marvel at the depth and complexity of our knowledge of language.

Related variants:

Reflexive Objects | etching, letterpress | 10.25ʺ x 23.75ʺ (framed) | edition of 7 | 2020