Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Neurons of Genius |
Artist |
Howell, Vernon |
Medium |
ink on paper |
Date |
1969 |
Description |
Born, raised and educated in Cabell County, West Virginia, Vernon Howell earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Marshall University. He taught art in Cabell County public schools and at Marshall University and has exhibited his work throughout the area for over 40 years. He produced "Neurons of Genius" early in his career after a visit to the National Gallery of Art. He was inspired by the art of the great masters and decided to honor the work of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) in this drawing. In "Neurons of Genius" parts of Michelangelo's work -- such as the "Pieta", "David", and the ceiling mural of the Sistine Chapel -- are connected by a complex network of lines resembling plant roots, blood vessels or neural paths of the brain. A partial image of Michelangelo is near the center of the composition. Howell used a shading technique called "stippling" in this ink drawing to mimic the surface texture and sculptural forms of Michelangelo's art. |
Collection |
Permanent Collection |
Dimensions |
H-28.18 W-22 inches |
Credit line |
1969 Purchase, 7th Annual Graphics & Drawing Exhibition |