Page in Peril
This lithograph print is inspired by Fahrenheit 451, written by Ray Bradbury, which is set in a dystopian book burning environment. The Roman numerals on the corner of the paper about to be incinerated are the number 451. The image I created with lines made by sharpie markers on the printmaking plate is fairly simple, a page presumably torn from a book is depicted, with the fingers holding the match and the darkness being illuminated by the glow. India ink mixed with floor polish was used to make the lines of the flame in order to impart a more fluid motion. In this instance I captured the moment immediately before the flame licks the paper and consumes it. This is another reference to the art of the Baroque period, which often captured the moment just before or as events were beginning to happen. In this moment the fingers still have a choice to extinguish the fire, if only just barely retaining such a choice. This also applies to anyone trying to suppress knowledge. Up until they attempt to carry out such an action, they always have the chance to turn back and refrain from that action.