Ignis Maris
Ignis Maris — Latin for “Fire of the Sea” — captures a Siamese fighting fish in a moment of suspended tension. Its fins are flared, its body coiled with energy, and it is surrounded by rising bubbles.
In nature, they build bubble nests as part of their courtship and territorial behaviour. These delicate clusters protect future offspring and serve as a biological expression of intent and purpose.
In this context, the bubbles become more than just background — they speak to the fish’s engagement in an act of creation, reflecting themes that mirror the printmaking process itself.
Below its fins, lie some symbols. Inspired by the look of maritime signal flags. It is perhaps the creatures way of communicating a greeting, or perhaps.. danger!
The image was created using four carved woodblocks, each contributing a distinct layer of colour and texture. Intricate patterns, inspired by self-similar forms and fractals, are combined with hand-drawn elements to echo the complexity and rhythm of natural systems.
Ignis Maris is an exploration of presence and tension — a quiet burst of fire beneath the surface, poised between instinct and design.
Building the Print: Layers in Progress
The woodblock on the left and the print on the right.
Red woodblock printed over the yellow
Blue woodblock printed over the red
And finally, the black woodblock printed.
Pulling a print
these images show the print being pulled from its respective woodblocks.
Each layer is built over the previous one.
A total of four woodblocks, this being the final layer
Many Layers, One Story
A detailed look at the layers coming together to bring this section of the print to life.
Another Peek at layers.
The layers coming together for the fin. I was playing with the inclusion of symbols into the composition as can be observed in the bottom right of the last image.
“Now part of a collective at Shoreham Art Gallery, I’m proud to share Ignis Maris—a new artwork that captures the spirit of the sea—on view, and waiting to be discovered for all who visit this lovely gallery.”
