David Versluis

David Versluis holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Western Michigan University and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Calvin College. His work has been exhibited in numerous venues throughout the United States and Canada. Since 2001 he has lived in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he is a professor of art at Dordt College. In addition to teaching, he has worked as a professional designer and was principal of David Versluis Design for over 15 years. David is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA).

David Versluis
Spirit Lake, Iowa: Fish Suite, Number 8
Digital / Giclée Print, 2005

"God must like the smell of fish – but dead fish? It’s interesting that God’s first blessing, stated in Genesis, was for the fish of the sea and birds of the air. The works in this series are intended to be free metaphoric associations but some viewers have suggested these images speak about environmental concerns.

This series of Photoshop assemblages began in 2004 and comprise digital prints featuring a beached and dead yellow perch photographed at Spirit Lake, Iowa, in 2002. The fish image itself is loaded with meaning and conjures up many metaphors and can be thought of as a primordial symbol.

Perhaps the underlying basis for this exhibition comes from a 1966 Christian Art magazine interview with New York artist, Joachim Probst (1913–1978) who coined the statement, “Art is the stand against decay.” Probst elaborates,

As a stand against decay, my artwork tries to suggest an exploration and inquiry into the art-making process through a deeper understanding of composition, subject matter, interpretation, medium and technique. In addition, my work shows an affinity for the construction of the elements of art/design, but it is also tries to be successful on multiple levels as a form of expression and communication. I try to make work that uses enough careful observation and detail so that it is able to sustain viewer interest. In other words, it’s about the balance between form and content.

Other themes in the work may allude to ideas about trompe-l'œil by the use of drop shadows and sliced images that seem to push the optical illusion of the paper surface. By emphasizing the half tone, moiré, pixilation, and transparency I consider this body of work as being honest with the digital media. The images seem to suggest the software technology and special effects that was used to make them. I also see these images as emblematic of metaphor, simile, the design process, and the product of the printed image.

Giclée printing for this series is eight-color inkjet archival inks printed on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, natural white, made from 100% totally chlorine free (TCF) pulp. Images were printed summer 2007. "


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"The Spirit Lake, Iowa, Fish Series" Photoshop assemblages/ Giclée prints by David Versluis October 26 – December 11, 2009 Kristin Wigley-Fleming Gallery, Center For the Arts *Gallery Reception: Monday, November 23, 5:15 - 6:15pm* David Versluis Spirit Lake, Iowa: Fish Lithograph, 2004 DAVID VERSLUIS David Versluis holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Western Michigan University and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Calvin College. His work has been exhibited in numerous venues throughout the United States and Canada. Since 2001 he has lived in Sioux Center, Iowa, where he is a professor of art at Dordt College. In addition to teaching, he has worked as a professional designer and was principal of David Versluis Design for over 15 years. David is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA). David Versluis Spirit Lake, Iowa: Fish Suite, Number 8 Digital / Giclée Print, 2005 ARTIST'S STATEMENT: "God must like the smell of fish – but dead fish? It’s interesting that God’s first blessing, stated in Genesis, was for the fish of the sea and birds of the air. The works in this series are intended to be free metaphoric associations but some viewers have suggested these images speak about environmental concerns. This series of Photoshop assemblages began in 2004 and comprise digital prints featuring a beached and dead yellow perch photographed at Spirit Lake, Iowa, in 2002. The fish image itself is loaded with meaning and conjures up many metaphors and can be thought of as a primordial symbol. Perhaps the underlying basis for this exhibition comes from a 1966 Christian Art magazine interview with New York artist, Joachim Probst (1913–1978) who coined the statement, “Art is the stand against decay.” Probst elaborates, 'Now how do I mean that art is a stand against decay? The moment you say art has something to do with line, form, color, you bring it into life and this means a stand against decay. By decay I mean rot. You live in fear or you face it through art…' — From an article in Christian Art, An interview with Joachim Probst and edited by Helene E. Nelson, Graphic House Inc., Chicago, 1966. David Versluis Spirit Lake, Iowa: Fish, Triptych Digital Prints, 2004 As a stand against decay, my artwork tries to suggest an exploration and inquiry into the art-making process through a deeper understanding of composition, subject matter, interpretation, medium and technique. In addition, my work shows an affinity for the construction of the elements of art/design, but it is also tries to be successful on multiple levels as a form of expression and communication. I try to make work that uses enough careful observation and detail so that it is able to sustain viewer interest. In other words, it’s about the balance between form and content. Other themes in the work may allude to ideas about trompe-l'œil by the use of drop shadows and sliced images that seem to push the optical illusion of the paper surface. By emphasizing the half tone, moiré, pixilation, and transparency I consider this body of work as being honest with the digital media. The images seem to suggest the software technology and special effects that was used to make them. I also see these images as emblematic of metaphor, simile, the design process, and the product of the printed image. Giclée printing for this series is eight-color inkjet archival inks printed on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, natural white, made from 100% totally chlorine free (TCF) pulp. Images were printed summer 2007. " Installation View Updated 11/03/09
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"The Spirit Lake, Iowa, Fish Series"