Extracting samples from stream catch of iron and acid mine drainage in Sulfur Springs Hollow, Ohio. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.
JOHN SABRAW
Artist John Sabraw was born in Lakenheath, England. An activist and environmentalist, Sabraw’s paintings, drawings and collaborative installations are produced in an eco conscious manner, and he continually works toward a fully sustainable practice. He collaborates with scientists on many projects, and one of his current collaborations involves creating paint and paintings from iron oxide extracted in the process of remediating polluted streams.
Sabraw’s art is in numerous collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Honolulu, the Elmhurst Museum in Illinois, Emprise Bank, and Accenture Corp. Sabraw is represented in Chicago by Thomas McCormick.
Sabraw is a Professor of Art at Ohio University where he is Chair of the Painting + Drawing program, and Board Advisor at Scribble Art Workshop in New York. He has most recently been featured in TED, Smithsonian, New Scientist, and Great Big Story.
John writes, about his current work: “Art is the mechanism through which I explore the fundamental metaphysical dilemmas we face as a conscious species. No medium or mode is unconsidered when attacking this pursuit. I look for idiosyncratic connections between things, the compression of time and distance, the glory of our universe, and natural and cosmological processes. A catalytic visual collation that generates a paradox revealing the fragile connection between technology, nature and man.“
Bubbling acid mine seep at Carbondale, Ohio red and orange is iron oxide deposits, green streaks are bacteria and algae. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.
Acid mine swamp at Oreton, Ohio. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.
Extracting samples from stream catch of iron and acid mine drainage in Sulfur Springs Hollow, Ohio. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.
The same iron oxide pigment from Sulfur Springs Hollow fired at 1000 degrees Celsius. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.
Chroma S5 Hudson River, 36x36 inches, Hudson Valley Brick dust, 24k gold leaf, acrylic resin, acrylic paint with AMD iron oxides on aluminum composite panel, 2019. Image courtesy of John Sabraw.