By Eli Parker
It can be argued that the world Jeff Scribner grew up in is one of visual arts . While skilled in a multitude of artistic mediums , he is mostly recognized for photography , graphic design , and abstract painting .
His knack for the trade can almost be described as ‘ genetic ,’ as he grew up in a family chock full of artists . Relatives consisted of architects and professional painters , so the plethora of family talent rubbed off on the young artist . As a child , he got involved in art classes specializing in drawing and painting . And when his father began taking courses in photography , it inspired him to do the same .
It wasn ’ t until the 90 ’ s that Scribner ’ s practice in graphic design kicked
off . His virtual transition started with producing clipart- an artform recognized by many that would use cartoon images to spruce up their school or business presentations . Eventually , he got more into the field by learning Adobe softwares , such as Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign . In 2004 , he graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a Diploma Certificate in Graphic and Desktop Design .
As for painting , it ’ s something he ’ s done for so long that he ’ s developed his own unique design process for it . And instead of creating pieces that accurately depict a visual reality , he uses shapes , colors , forms , and gestural marks to create artistic representations . “ It ’ s kind of neat because [ abstract art ] is seen as something that ’ s just thrown together ,” Scribner says , “ but it ’ s actually a set of rules .”
Like many artists , he starts by brainstorming . While often using online references for inspiration , Scribner still attempts to pay homage to Kentucky culture in his works . Many of his pieces capture several famous Kentucky sites , like Lake Cumberland , Cumberland Falls , and even Downtown Somerset .
Once he picks an idea , he then puts it through a “ thumbnail stage .” In a sketchbook , he outlines the shapes and anatomy that would make up that piece . After drawing a handful of sketches , he selects only two or three of them to refine . Amongst those , he picks one to take onto the final stage of being painted .
While much of his early work is distinctly abstract , Scribner says that
32 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky March 2023