Hewn

Hewn

Wick and flame by stone and dust--

These war-torn hands do as they must,

To build it up and tear it down.

Your frozen antlers scrape the ground.

A tapestry to call my name,

Those locks of woven, horsehair mane.

I left the fear with ember glow,

Learned from soul which way to go.

That piercing sound above the noise,

Did beckon me with timeless joy.

~t

An Evolution

Start of college

End of college

Now

I took a nostalgic trip through some of my old sketches and works when I was just starting out as an artist my sophomore year at Iowa State. It was then that I realized how far I had come down this path, and along with that, how far I have yet to go. I hadn't really made the comparison as to what I did going into school as I did coming out. I was able to improve by a dramatic amount in my drawing, as well as ceramics and metal in such a short time frame thanks to excellent guidance and my own tenacity.

Immediately after school, I didn't do much art. I was burnt out.

Since then, I have embraced my love of making art and have worked diligently to improve my skills in drawing and woodworking. I have also devoted much time to the understanding of all of my later works in order to extract my own truth that I had buried deep within each piece. With the great knowledge I have gained from my many investigations, I have seen the story of my work as a whole and it has provided me with the foresight to see where the work will go from here.

It will be different, and it will be good.

~t

Statement - What Lies in Slumber.

Yesterday, I completed a very simple, but deep piece. It is one that I feel like explaining, so here is the statement for What Lies in Slumber.

It is about the ability to tap into the subconscious. Freud believed that most humans only tap into about ten percent of their total consciousness. He explained this with the analogy of the iceberg. When one approaches a massive iceberg in the open water, only the tip is observed by the personality, while in reality the majority of the iceberg sits below the surface of the water. The part hidden below is like the subconscious. It is unharnessed and we are unaware of its consequences, but to awaken that part of you grants incredible, authentic power.

I used the imagery of the iceberg to conjure this composition. The ninety-percent sleeps below the surface, while the visible ten-percent creates waves that resonate outwards. As our subconscious becomes consciousness, our true selves rise from the depths, creating broader, more consequential vibrations--generally more positive and from a place of wisdom.

~t

What Lies in Slumber

What Lies in Slumber, 2012

14"x18", graphite and chalk on paper

$180

New Peice Started!

Spontaneously wanted to work on an old idea from my sketchbook.

Past the Dreamer's Mantra

Past the Dreamer's Mantra 

 Fear won't desecrate me,

Take this hand and lead me on.

Oh, enlightenment elate me,

Embers burning like the sun.

And I'll walk this walk completely,

As your head doth bob and sway.

While the moon doth glow to greet thee,

And the breeze caress my face.

Shed yourself of all desires,

Everything is here and now.

Don't constrict yourself with wires,

Breathe in light, release all else.

Come up strong to feel this morning,

And greet the waking day.

So love doth come and touch you,

Grant you grace in every way.

~t

The Potentate Series

The Potentate Series

                The word Potentate is defined as a being of supreme power.  The works in this series represent states of psyche and spirit in moments of absolution.  Depicting these states as supreme beings outside of any external context places the power and emphasis strictly on the character and nothing else.  The pieces are designed to use historical iconography to conjure their traditionally associated ideas, but the symbols used are not necessarily limited by those ideas.  They have the potential to take on new meaning as they are presented in new ways.  Many of the intentions behind each piece are left ambiguous as the work is meant to draw an internal realization from the viewer so that the piece has an intimate impact on those who choose to give it meaning.  The hand-crafted frames around each piece are the tangible and sculptural elements to the works.  They relate directly to the ideas behind the art whilst referencing the ideas of shrines, gateways, and mirrors—physical manifestations of spiritual culture.

Keeper of Ruin

The Orchestrator

What Union Hath Wrought

What Wisdom Doth Provide

Before the Ego's Collapse

Arbiter of the Vajra

Post-Show Impressions

It has been two days since the opening reception of "The Figure".  I have had some time to decompress and work on things not related to visual art.  In thinking about Friday night, I cant help but be filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to show in such a gorgeous gallery with such amazing people. I couldn't believe the turnout we had that night. From 5:15 to 7:00 every inch of the gallery was packed! 

I was quite pleased at the reception of my work, as well. People were incredibly receptive to my Potentate Series, and wanted to know all they could about them. I was visited by so many friends and loved ones that I was absolutely in awe of the support I received that night. But my absolute favorite thing about the show was the Iowa State students. They peered endlessly at my work, striving to grasp and extract every detail--looking to learn. They made some very astute observations and asked mature questions. It was the best opportunity my art has had to do the work it was made to do, and I am so elated that it has begun to fulfill its purpose.

The gathering afterwords was a success as well. Great food, wine, and friends. I couldn't have had this incredible night without you all! Thank you so much for your support and brilliance!

~t

Wicker Tongue

Wicker Tongue


Dreams of dust did wake him,

When his consciousness did turn.

He leaned to her with tender love,

Asking questions that might burn.

These things, they come in threes,

as they gently trickle down.

With touching words, she answered,

Up above this bleeding ground.

"What take you, oh to laughter,

This denial--winter chill.

My soul was sent to whisper.

Clasp those hands, direct your will."

Live crimson in the pasture,

Oak leaf hands and wicker tongue.

When this charcoal breath did heal you,

Made you want to up-and-run.

Can I, now? And will I?

Tapestry is wearing thin.

Left alone in open field,

So where do I begin?

~t

Tobacco Gown

Paramount, this blazing truth,
Seen through the looking glass.
You swing your horse hair, bat an eye,
And pray that it won't last.
But that fly just keeps on buzzin',
Though you swear you struck it down.
Your crimes come by the dozen--
Sweetgrass braid, tobacco gown.

Well just throw it in the fire, girl,
And let it burn away.
 I've been building up this pyre,
Sittin' here for several days.
Those feathers, they will bellow,
And this cedar will now burn.
It's time to seek the healin',
For which your soul doth yearn.

~t

The Figure--group show this Friday!

This Friday will be pretty huge for me. I am going to have my work exhibited with eight other incredible artists at Olson-Larsen Galleries from February 17th to April 7th with the opening reception being this Friday from 5-7 pm. All are welcome. I am truly honored to be a part of this show and to display my work alongside artists that I greatly respect. Eight of my pieces will be on display and most of the other artist will have a similar amount, so we're looking at around 60 new works by some very talented individuals. A must see!

In my time of living in the Des Moines area, there have been very few exhibitions that have focused on the human figure.  I give props to Susan Watts for pursuing this and putting forth great effort to make it such a big event. I am very excited to see the turnout Friday night and to hear how my newest works are received.

For Everyone on V-Day

Today is a great day to recognize love in all its forms--not just the love between partners, but love of family, friends, and all of humanity and beyond! Take the time to think about the people you are grateful to have in your life, and take the time to forgive those who have wronged you. That's true love, hombre.

The Beginning...

Hello all, and welcome to the first blog post of "The Shape and Colour"!!!

This blog is dedicated to presenting the art, poetry, and insights of me, Trevor Knott, for all of my family, friends, and fans who are interested in what I do. As of now, I plan to submit new posts every other day. In these posts I will include shots of works in progress, writings by yours truly, and eventually I plan to deliver reflections and reviews on the music and art of the surrounding area!

I will start by letting you know a little about myself and my work. I was born and raised in Independence, Iowa, a small town in the Northeast. I earned my BFA at Iowa State University, where I specialized in figure drawing and traditional mediums. I have been making fine art for about six years in which I have worked diligently to evolve the concepts and processes used to create my pieces.

In my work, I use figures and symbols to produce narratives and raise questions about power and truth. What is it? Who possesses it? How does it affect us? These questions and more are addressed in my sculptural and two-dimensional pieces. My favored symbol of power is the obelisk. Creating interactions between obelisks and different archetypes allows me to express my view on power in an abstract way. My pieces are generally done using traditional techniques and materials, as I believe in the spiritual connection of creation and tactile relationships.

Pictured is an example of my work, What Union Hath Wrought.