I use Pen & Ink and wood engraving because of the immediacy and permanency of the mark. Unlike other artists who work with Pen & Ink, I do not plan out each mark of my intricate drawings – I simply lay ink onto the paper (Some of you art geeks might also call me a "process artist"). The most planning I do is a simple geometric outline like a circle or an arch within which to draw, but sometimes I simply begin to draw. There is no way for me to correct mistakes if they happen. I find that this mode of working is very poetic, because the permanency of the marks of ink reflects permanency of our actions in life.

Most of my work is abstract because I think that character is also abstract; each situation creates an environment in which I can choose to have grace and integrity. With a heart of anger or impatience, it is impossible for me to create work like this. In anger I cannot draw a straight line, without patience I cannot complete my work, and without love I cannot begin my work. So while I create art in order to challenge my own character, my intention is also to make sublime art, and what I mean by this is that I make art that helps others to see themselves in the context of history. I make art that brings people into a state of contemplation over their lives and the purpose of existence. Just as a book is not valuable because of its cover, the treasure I hope to create is not what is on the surface of the art or in any particular image. The true treasure is what happens in me and you through the contemplation, relationships and character that the work brings about.

You can read more about me and current exhibitions, and see more images on my blog:
mdkiehl.wordpress.com

mdkiehl.wordpress.com