Tedious Scratchboard Art ‘Beyond Reality’ at Robbin Gallery
Artist Scott Krohn enjoys a form of art that’s both tedious and time-consuming. It’s called scratchboard, engraved art created by scratching off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer beneath.
“It’s different than many mediums in that it starts with a black surface of ink covering a white clay and you use any abrasive tools, sharp tools to scratch away and to make marks,” explained Krohn.
The art is highly detailed. One of the pieces Krohn showed CCX News took more than 150 hours to make using an X-Acto knife and a magnifying glass.
The end result almost looks like a photograph.
“One of the things that attracts scratchboard artists to the medium is the level of detail you can achieve,” said Krohn.
Despite the amount of time it takes, Krohn relishes the process. He describes it as his “zen.”
Krohn, who works as a teacher and tennis coach by day, does art when he can find the time. He often uses Lake Superior as a source of inspiration.
“It’s a place that feeds my soul,” said Krohn. “It’s a place of peace. I can sit on the shore for hours and hours.”
One of Krohn’s simple joys is art pieces that focus on rocks.
“I just can’t get enough of drawing rocks, again and again,” said Krohn.
An exhibit of Krohn’s scratchboard art can be seen at the Robbin Gallery in Robbinsdale through May 26. That includes an opening reception on Saturday, May 4, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Scott Krohn explains his scratchboard art piece.
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