Raven

Custom software, drawing robot, graphite on Yupo paper. 30 x 42cm unframed. Edition of one - this is a unique original drawing, not a print.

A pencil drawing of a raven. But is it a raven, and who drew it?

I created it using a variety of generative tools, including an artificial intelligence programme that allowed me to transform language into images. These I then edited to discover the bird I was looking for among the software’s outputs.

The final drawing was created using graphite pencil and robot. My intention is to create an image that is reminiscent of Victorian scientific engravings, but constructed and physically drawn purely by modern computational means. The result is not a bird that has ever existed in the real world but feels believable, an engraving of a wily old raven, staring out of the page at you.

I used six layers of graphite, carefully manipulating the weight, hardness, and width of the pencil lead over time. It took about a week to draw (including many false starts!). The layers of graphite produce a sheen and depth that’s hard to convey in photographs.

For each drawing sold, I will donate £5 to Trees for Life, to offset carbon and support the rewilding of the Scottish Highlands.

A note on care of the drawing. This drawing is made using graphite pencil on extremely smooth paper, for a very delicate texture and rich tones that are hard to capture on camera! However, this means it will smudge easily if touched. I will post the drawing covered with tissue paper, but you should take care when framing the drawing not to touch the surface.