Description
Eagle, 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 “Eagle” is from the series Bestiary, a drypoint from Little Egypt Studios.This image depicts a highly detailed ink drawing of an eagle with its wings spread wide open. The meticulous line work reveals intricate textures, where the bird’s feathers are composed of a dense collection of smaller images, such as faces, bones, and symbolic shapes. The overall effect is a blend of realism and surrealism, as the vulture takes on an almost sculptural quality, simultaneously natural and artificial.
In Zen, the vulture may represent impermanence and the cycle of life and death. The bird’s association with scavenging and decay emphasizes the transient nature of physical existence. The intricate details hidden within its feathers could symbolize the myriad of experiences, emotions, and forms that come and go throughout life. Zen teachings often encourage letting go of attachment to these experiences, urging a direct understanding of emptiness and the interconnectedness of all things.
The vulture could correspond to Hexagram 23, “Splitting Apart,” which signifies a time when decay or disintegration is occurring. In the I Ching, this hexagram advises caution and mindfulness as external structures or familiar forms fall away. The drawing’s rich texture and layers of symbolism resonate with the message of Hexagram 23: that we must acknowledge and confront the decay of what once seemed permanent, while also understanding that such dissolution paves the way for renewal.
Combining these interpretations, the image invites contemplation on life’s ephemerality and the hidden layers within our own experiences. The vulture, embodying both life and death, appears as a messenger, signaling the need to transcend the superficial view of things. The fine details suggest that within decay lies profound insight, and that through careful observation, we can recognize the patterns that govern the cycle of growth and decay.
The approach recalls the technique of artists like Albrecht Dürer, who used fine lines and meticulous detailing to create lifelike textures. The surreal elements align with the work of artists like Max Ernst from the Dada and Surrealist movements, where ordinary forms are reimagined to reveal the uncanny and hidden. This blending of realism with symbolism suggests a deep engagement with the themes of mortality and transcendence, evoking traditions of memento mori in art history.
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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
“Eagle” 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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