Description
Alligator, 1977
Lithograph 2 chops LEE Little Egypt Enterprises
Signed Staley/Camblin
22 x 30 in. (image)
32.5 x 40.5 x 2 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The lithograph “Alligator” is from the series Bestiary, a drypoint from Little Egypt Studios. The piece presents an alligator, a creature often associated with primal power and ancient strength. Its form appears natural at first glance, yet a closer inspection reveals an intricate collage of imagery within its skin. The details seem to morph from scales into a tapestry of hidden stories, shapes, and textures, inviting the viewer to explore the complexities beneath the surface.
In Zen thought, the crocodile may symbolize the tension between surface appearances and deeper realities. The reptile’s rough exterior hides a world within with its wheels, gears, and pulleys, much like the layers of the self. In Zen practice, understanding the true nature of things requires seeing beyond the obvious—letting go of preconceived notions and entering into a state of mindfulness where even a seemingly mundane subject, like a crocodile, reveals the infinite inside. The interconnected lines and forms could represent the fluidity of existence, where nothing is entirely separate from anything else.
In the I Ching, the crocodile could be linked to the hexagram “Lu” (treading carefully). This hexagram is associated with the imagery of treading on the tail of a tiger or dragon, indicating that careful steps are required to avoid danger. The crocodile’s form, while resting, is never entirely at ease, mirroring the idea of maintaining vigilance in one’s actions. The detailed artwork suggests that every choice or movement, no matter how small, carries consequences, and awareness of this truth is vital.
Combining the Zen and I Ching perspectives, this piece becomes a meditation on awareness and the nature of reality. The crocodile’s intricate skin serves as a metaphor for life’s complexities and hidden layers. It challenges the viewer to look deeper, to be cautious in interpreting what they see, and to recognize the constant flow between the outer and inner worlds. The artwork suggests that in both life and art, true understanding comes not from skimming the surface but from diving into the depths where stories are hidden, and meaning must be uncovered.
The detailed illustration style and use of fine lines evoke techniques found in etching and traditional drawing practices. The juxtaposition of realistic animal representation with surreal embedded details recalls movements like Symbolism and Surrealism, where the mundane is transformed to reflect deeper psychological or spiritual significance. The piece can also be compared to works by artists like Albrecht Dürer, who used detailed line work to blend naturalistic observation with imaginative storytelling.
By bridging these elements, the artwork positions itself within the realm of contemporary visionary art, inviting a dialogue between the ancient and the modern, the real and the imagined.
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From the series Bestiary, a drypoint on Twinrocker handmade paper
1 bob a tirer, 25 artist’s proofs, 1 printer’s proof, 3 LEE proofs, 35 edition
“Alligator” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in Sandra Jensen Rowland’s monograph, Bob Bilyeu Camblin – An Iconoclast in Houston’s Emerging Art Scene.
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
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