Welcome to Doug's World!

              Commentary on the Work of J.Douglas Vokes
                                    by
                                William H. Owens

                 Print...    Original Print...   Limited Edition...

                 Hand-pulled...  Signed and Numbered by the Artist...
At a time when these terms have become clouded and misused, it is a pleasure to view the Original Art of J.Douglas Vokes.  When asked to describe his work, Doug will respond, "I am a Printmaker." More specifically he will add, "My preferred medium is the Silkscreen."
Upon examining Doug's portfolio, even the least discerning eye will draw the conclusion that he is more than a printmaker - he is a master of both the printed image and the printing process itself.
      It is the mastery of this complex creative labor and the personalized artistic excellence which he brings to it that distinguishes Doug from the crowd.
       Every work of art begins it's life as a concept within the artist's unique imagination.  Once the image is conceived, it begins to materialize in a series of sketches.  For Doug, this becomes a full-scale blueprint, executed in highly contrasting markers - the foundation for actual screen preparation.    From the blocking, registration, inking and pulling of the colors, to hanging the paper on the drying rack, every step is by his own hand.  With editions of 50 to 100, sequencing from 10 to 70 color screens, the completed images are blends of artistic drive and meticulous, time-honored craftsmanship.
        By the very nature of the printing procedures, where the average edition requires 3000 individual color pulls,  when he finally does number, title and sign the completed artworks,  each piece  in the edition is a true original.     There are no photographic processes, mechanical color separations, technical assistance of assistants nor outside influences (beyond spousal critique!) only pure and original art that reflect the heart and spirit of their creator.

                           That is Doug's World.

(Note: W.H.Owens was the Art Reviewer for On the Wall Gallery, Allentown, PA) R.I.P.
     

My  love affair with printmaking began over 30 years ago in High School Graphic Arts class when I pulled my very first silkscreen print.
Upon graduation I was the recipient of two Scholastic Achievement Awards - the first in Graphic Arts, the second in Architectural Design. (Cedar Cliff H.S., Harrisburg, PA, Class of '79.)

I  went on to attend Millersville University of PA (Class of '84) in Lancaster,PA where I worked on my BFA in Printmaking and Graphic Arts.

My career began as a Graphic Artist/ Illustrator working for a Harrisburg based design /publishing agency. It was at this time that I developed the technical and organizational skills necessary for multi-color printing processes while working with printers in the pre-press stages of design.

After my "retirement" from the commercial art scene, my creative energies were directed entirely toward independent work as a Fine Artist/ Printmaker.  

I choose to work primarily  with the Silkscreen Print (Serigraph) format because it is this process that best complements the graphic nature of my vision.

I am blessed to have been born into a large, extended family with countless members involved in nearly every aspect of creative endeavor. Architecture, Fashion, Metalsmithing, Jewely, Glass, Fine Arts, Antiques and seriously, one of the world's foremost Teddy Bear Artists, my Aunt, Bev White.

AWARDS_________________________________________________________________________
       NewJersey Fine Arts Commission Award Winner ~  National Printmakers Exhibiting Artist
    American Artist's Registry Juried Artist  ~ Harrisburg State Museum Exhibiting  Artist

EXHIBITIONS__________________________________________________________
        ArtExpo Jacob Javitz Center, NYC ~ Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT ~  Decor Gallery, Rockville, MD

COMMISSIONS_________________________________________________________       Rexroth Corp., Worldwide  ~ Portland Cement Assn., Skokie, IL ~ Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network